State Dept. cuts China experts as administration says countering Beijing top priority
U.S. State Department eliminated its South China Sea experts and closed a key office focused on Indo-Pacific security, impacting regional knowledge and experience.
Rubio in bind as he seeks to reassure Asia, even as region faces punishing Trump tariffs
"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."
China backs Southeast Asia nuclear ban; Rubio, Lavrov at ASEAN meeting
China has confirmed its willingness to sign the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty, an agreement in force since 1997 that restricts nuclear activity.