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.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia during his first visit to the region since taking office.

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may cast a pall over his top diplomat's first official trip to Asia

It shows that personal grudges rather than simple economics are a driving force in the U.S. leader’s use of tariffs.

A day later, Trump said the U.S. will impose 50% tariffs on copper, as well as 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Trade deals could be coming. Japan’s top trade negotiator, for example, said July 8 that talks with the U.