IMO we are already engaged in WW3, at least to the extent that US-China are fighting via proxies on several fronts already in Ukraine and Middle East...and US is directly involved in Iran conflict.

Without Chinese energy purchases and supply of manufactured goods neither Iran or Russia would be able to engage in the conflicts now ongoing with US and US allies in Middle East and Ukraine.

US is attacking Chinas energy suppliers who have been selling oil and gas for Yuan, in the case of Iran for more than a decade in breach of US-SWIFT sanctions.
China is challenging the US and its petrodollar hegemony...via mercantile success.

China has won the trade war in terms of coming to dominate global trade in manufactured goods and commodities.
US is responding with military aggression to cut Chinas energy supplies.

China is not engaging directly with the US militarily but has cut the supply or refined rare earths US military needs to make most of its high tech military equipment.
China gets low cost supply of oil from Russia and Iran paid for in Yuan and exports and enables both Russia and Iran to challenge US military and monetary hegemony.

'Sun Tzu's philosophy emphasizes strategic victory through understanding and outmaneuvering opponents rather than direct confrontation. The idea is to use intelligence, timing, and adaptability to achieve goals without unnecessary conflict, making the best victories those won without fighting.'