What's the Chinese's Motive for This Operation?

The Chinese were keen to host Secretary Blinken. It seems likely to me that no one in their system was trying to sabotage the visit, but if you disagree with that, we'll be interested in hearing your views. If there's a program like let's build a high altitude balloon capacity, then that program has a budget. That budget is approved by senior leadership in an annual cycle. And once it's approved, the PLA is going to conduct a mission.