should have captured the balloon to study it and deny knowing anything about it. I remember one of our military surveillance planes in the early to mid 2000's was either escorted down by China fighter jets or the plane had to land in China due to mechanical issues......can't remember which is was. We tried to wipe clean the computer systems and destroy the surveillance technology before the Chines military entered the plane but China combed through that plane for a few days/weeks before giving it back. At some point, you have to punch the bully in the nose or they will continue to do more and more things if there isn't any ramifications to their actions.