Satellite theory
It was C_I_A and they got busted spying on us. Blame CHINA.
Trump knew it was manned. Hence the tweet to let them know he has the evidence.
The manned theory makes more sense as to why they didn't shoot it down. Resident is not qualified to decide the fate of the balloon that lies on Trump or his team to make. I can't imagine it was an easy decision so best option to save lives was to shoot it over the ocean, giving the survivors a softer landing.
If this is possible was the EQ a deliberate retaliation by C_I_A for the lose of the satellite? I'm betting it's either a recommissioned Corona satellite or they never actually ended the Corona project. If Trump is in charge they longer have access to space to replace damaged satellites(think Space Force). Last resort is the Corona satellites.
Q has several posts about the Corona sats.
Both the C_I_A and CHINA benefit from destroying that part of the silk road. Islam controls it and C_I_A and CHINA want it back.
I wonder if supplies can be transported freely with all that damage. No one checking the manifest going in and out.
Just rambling on the pots.