The U.S. Secretary of State wants to bolster defense ties in the Indo-Pacific, while distrust of Trump’s commitments to the region, particularly on economic issues, runs deep.

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

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on trade tariffs. Anwar highlighted the U.S.'s interest in enhancing cooperation with ASEAN, emphasizing the region's trade autonomy.

Us Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum on civilian nuclear energy on July 10 with Malaysia’s foreign minister, which will pave the way for negotiations on a more formal nuclear cooperation deal,

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, local media reported. This marks Rubio's first visit to the region since he assumed office earlier this year, the state-run Bernama news agency reported.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Malaysia this week to attend a high-level ASEAN meeting, marking his first official visit to the Indo-Pacific region. The trip, scheduled for July 8 to 12,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will make his first trip to Asia since taking up his post, traveling this week to Malaysia for meetings with ASEAN allies.