One one hand, he is actively trying to contain China by starting the trade war and restricting Huawei and ZTE. On the other hand, he is supposed to have a personal rapport with Xi.

But really, think him as a lion tamer in a circus - an ultimate showman who is all style but no substance. As a showman, he has to show how "tough" he is on China. You also have to realize the power dynamics and how tenuous the control a lion tamer has. 

1) A lion tamer has to have some control over the lions or he will be torn to pieces.

2) But if he is being just a little careless and steps over the line, the lions can kill him in an instant.

So don't be too surprised by the whipcracking but is the whip really hitting the lions or is it just breaking the sound barrier?

And don't forget: a lion tamer's livelihood is to put on a show.