Rubio in bind as he seeks to reassure south-east Asia, even as it faces Trump tariffs

Rubio meets Chinese counterpart at gathering, as questions remain about US trade polices and commitment to region

SearchSupport usPrint subscriptionsNewslettersDownload the appSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsThe Guardian appVideoPodcastsPicturesInside the GuardianGuardian WeeklyCrosswordsWordiplyCorrectionsTipsSearch input google-search SearchSearch jobsDigital ArchiveGuardian LicensingAbout UsBusinessEconomicsBankingMoneyMarketsProject SyndicateB2BRetail US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 10 July, 2025, where nations are grappling with looming Trump tariffs. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/ReutersView image in fullscreenUS secretary of state Marco Rubio at the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 10 July, 2025, where nations are grappling with looming Trump tariffs. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/ReutersTariffsRubio in bind as he seeks to reassure south-east Asia, even as it faces Trump tariffsRubio meets Chinese counterpart at gathering, as questions remain about US trade polices and commitment to region

Even as they face among the most punitive tariffs globally, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has sought to reassure south-east Asian countries of Washington’s commitment to the region, saying they may get “better” trade deals than the rest of the world.