Interesting, yes, but not as serious as set out, in my opinion.

Trump had to confront China on unfair trade policy and technological piracy.  He had to understand that doing so would create a situation causing China to respond in a face-saving, very visible ways.  Now the apperance of an escalating situation helps both sides, because eventually the U.S. will appear to be giving in by some modest degree, making China feel better about itself - saving face.   

The facts are, these tariffs are meager in the overall context of things, and neither side wants to continue this game.  Hence the timeline that will be sending both sides to the negotiating table.  ...and it's possible the whole set-up has been pre planned by both sides.

Conclusion?  We may think we understand the news, but we can seldom know what is going on behind the scenes.