Marco Rubio’s first trip to Asia as secretary of state was aimed at assuring U.S. partners. Instead, it was cut short and dominated by trade tensions.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia on Thursday during his first visit to Asia since taking office, reassuring them it is a priority for Washington despite President Donald Trump's tariff offensive.

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may overshadow his top diplomat's first official trip to Asia.

Mark Rubio, acting National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, defended President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Friday, telling regional leaders that many Southeast Asian nations could ultimately benefit from lower rates than other parts of the world,

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that Asian nations might get “better” tariff rates than the rest of the world. He was attending ASEAN talks focused on Washington’s trade war. Rubio’s visit to Malaysia came after US President Donald Trump threatened this week to impose punitive tariffs on more than 20 countries.