BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A European Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday that China continues to be the key enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine and that without China's support, Russia would not be able to wage the war to the same extent.

Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two on Friday with a parade attended by China's Xi Jinping amid tight security to guard against Ukrainian attacks after three years of devastating war.

China’s President Xi Jinping and other world leaders join Russia’s Vladimir Putin to watch military parade in Moscow’s Red Square.

Shipments to the U.S. sank 21% in dollar terms as Trump’s tariffs on most Chinese exports rose to as high as 145%. With Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods at 125%, business between the two biggest economies has grown increasingly uncertain.

China's export growth likely slowed significantly in April, as shipments to the United States were dampened by Trump's tariffs and uncertainty over whether the world's two largest economies can strike a deal to ease the trade tensions.

China’s strong export growth in April, despite sky-high U.S. tariffs, will give Beijing a boost as its officials head to trade talks this weekend.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet Chinese officials, but expectations for a breakthrough in their trade war are low.

President Donald Trump remains firm that the United States is not going to unilaterally reduce tariffs on Chinese goods without concessions from China, the White House said on Friday, hours after Trump floated the idea of reducing the current rate of 145% down to 80% as the two sides prepare for talks between in Switzerland.