Long before the coronavirus outbreak, the number-crunchers were at work modeling various possibilities for shifting supply-chains. The epidemic has provided a preview of just how bad things can get.

There is an alternative for resolving the China-U.S. puzzle that goes beyond the simple binary choice of “deep integration” or “decoupling.” But the two sides must want to discover it.

Concerns of China and the United States over science and technology can be resolved by the international community. Avoiding the huge cost of decoupling should be a top consideration.

As U.S.-China trade tensions mount, “decoupling” must be understood broadly. It occurs in many areas, at different speeds and with unique consequences.

America’s allies are reluctant to support a move as drastic as a total split with China.

For the last two years, the conflict between the United States and China has dominated the economic and financial-market debate – with good reason. After threats and accusations that long predate US President Donald Trump’s election, rhetoric has given way to action. Over the past 17 months, the world’s two largest economies have become embroiled in the most serious tariff war since the early 1930s.

“Competition” carries any number of connotations, from benign to malicious. Clarity about exactly what the Trump administration means would be helpful.

A worsening relationship is probably unavoidable if the two countries adhere to their current domestic choices. If they want better ties, both need to make adjustments, but that seems unlikely.

Weakening political will on the part of the United States and others is undermining the global commons necessary for good global governance. That’s where China comes in.

Cutting ties would undoubtedly hurt both countries. But when wishful policies collide with the iron laws of economics, the latter are certain to prevail.