It does make sense. Tesla designed their LR variants around the best chemistry. For the Standard Range, they can manage with less efficient cells so they use those cheaper ones, saving both cost there and freeing up more of the better performing cells for the Long Range variants.
Shortly after the launch of the Model 3, Tesla could not get enough NCM 2170 cells, so they introduced the Medium Range (LeMuR), to use fewer cells per car. Seen in that light, it makes a lot of sense that Tesla has been looking for a better way to make more cars with their still limited supply of 2170 NCM cells.
plus they are throwing a bone to Chinese company which makes the Chinese government officials happy with all the benefits that entails.