How long will it be before World War III breaks out?

From the current perspective, if World War III were to break out, the trigger might be Russia striking a British military base.

The United Kingdom, along with NATO, could then directly enter the conflict against Russia, while the United States might become indirectly involved as part of the NATO alliance.

If Russia were unable to withstand the pressure, China would be unlikely to stand by and watch Russia fall, so it would almost certainly provide assistance.

Meanwhile, U.S. allies and partners—including Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Taiwan, and possibly India and Vietnam—could attempt to contain China in the surrounding region.

Would that not effectively mark the outbreak of World War III?