You better believe China could still use spy balloons

Moreover, even large-size balloons can have a low signature and low-to-zero emission, so they still make a reliable platform for surveillance.

Also, unlike space-based systems, these can be far less predictable and thus harder to track – and unlike high-flying aircraft such as the SR-71 Blackbird, or a satellite, a balloon can loiter over an area for an extended time.

It also isn’t just what a balloon can “see” but also what it can “hear,” as the miniaturization of technology could allow a balloon to monitor cellular and radio traffic.

[True, but satellites can also “loiter.” Their positioning can be adjusted as needed, and geosynchronous satellites “loiter” by design. Monitoring cellular and radio traffic is a plus, but China’s integration into US communications almost certainly allows that now and much more covertly. It’s one reason why the Trump administration convinced its allies to block Huawei from their 5G networks and why even this administration is considering a broader block against Huawei. This still seems like 1960s tech in a 2023 world, and it’s not clear why Beijing sees this as a good tactic. Maybe the Huawei ban has hurt them more than we figured. — Ed]