China has defiantly proclaimed it will "fight till the end" as President Donald Trump ramps up tensions by imposing a hefty 20% tariff on all imports of Chinese goods, sending shockwaves through global markets as the trade war intensifies.

In a swift retaliation, China slapped tariffs of up to 15% on a range of American food products, bolstered the export controls for a selection of US corporations, and filed a legal challenge at the World Trade Organization.

This bold move aims to signal to Washington that China refuses to yield to what it perceives as "hegemony or bullying."

Lin Jian from China's Foreign Ministry didn’t mince words when he stated at a news briefing, "Pressure, coercion and threats are not the right ways to engage with China.

"Trying to exert maximum pressure on China is a miscalculation and a mistake," revealing a strong stance against American tactics. According to him, "If the US insists on waging a tariff war, trade war, or any other kind of war, China will fight till the end."

Not standing alone in its resistance, Canada has also squared up to the Trump Administration, launching countermeasures with £27 billion ($30 billion) in tariffs targeting US imports—a sum which could reportedly skyrocket fourfold within the next three weeks.

Amid escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war, Xi Jinping, China's paramount leader, is setting the stage for a critical political gathering aimed at showcasing China's unwavering development trajectory.

The objective is to bolster national morale and project an international image of Beijing ascending as a formidable force, particularly in technology and global influence, reports The Mirror. 

Thousands of delegates are expected to assemble in Beijing for the high-profile "two sessions" to exude confidence through a well-orchestrated display, despite the strain exerted by the Trump administration.

This key meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, sharply contrasts with President Trump's Congressional address slated for Tuesday evening, with both significant events unfolding in close succession.

A noteworthy speech is anticipated from China's number two, Li Qiang, at the inaugural ceremony of the National People's Congress, which traditionally endorses previously made behind-the-scenes decisions.

In his forthcoming address, Li Qiang is expected to disclose China's economic and defence expenditure objectives, charting a course for further advancement and technological prowess amidst heightened US pressures, CNN speculates.

While analysts envisage routine proceedings across the week, China may shy away from revealing any unexpected policy shifts, considering the true locus of power remains with the Communist Party.

Li and Jinping are faced with the challenge of portraying China as an ascending global superpower, all while disregarding Trump's heightened tariffs that could potentially exacerbate the nation's economic woes. It remains uncertain how China will tackle these issues.