During his first official visit to Asia, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured ASEAN nations of America's commitment to the region amidst impending tariffs of 20-40%. Rubio met with foreign ministers in Malaysia, arguing future trade agreements could be more beneficial for Southeast Asian countries than those in other parts of the world. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticized the tariffs as a new reality of economic pressure. Rubio emphasized the significance of Southeast Asia for global future developments in the coming decades.
"Even as they face among the most punitive tariffs globally, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has sought to reassure southeast Asian nations of Washington's commitment to the region."
"Rubio met foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Malaysia on Thursday, telling his counterparts the US has no intention of abandoning the region."
"The region, which includes countries that rely on exports and manufacturing, has been among the worst hit by Trump's trade war."
"I would say that when all is said and done, many of the countries in Southeast Asia are going to have tariff rates that are actually better than countries in other parts of the world, Rubio said."
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