Lets say that China was able to stay the manufacturing hub it is now. (nothing bad happens. The do not attack Taiwan. And the elite keep supporting it)

In such a world, can decentralization still make headway?
Would it be slowed down?
Or, would it go faster? Like, once a 3D printing process is worked out, it will be everywhere in the world the next week.

Without the crash of the system, there isn't as much impetus for people to build the new systems.

Can there be a smooth transition?