Most likely being done on the down low as the public pushback from republicans wasn't helping. Best to back off to the media and public but continue the rapid pullout quietly and keep attention on the border and it's issues.
This could easily be Xi rattling a sword to keep attention of DS. They know a war with us is futile and Trump has said many times that he has a "great" relationship with Xi. What better way to keep some of the war mongers here focused on our "biggest enemy"? It's a ruse people. If not, then we kick their ass. Win Win. Win. All we do is Win.