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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Washington soon as he underlined the strong ties between the two nations along with Japan.“We have a great relationship with Japan and the Philippines,

Anwar cited the US' willingness to review trade tariffs and strengthen ties with both Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. The prime minister also extended a formal invitation to Trump, through Rubio, to attend the upcoming summit in October.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio talks about countering China as it expands its global influence. But President Trump’s tariff threats have created friction with U.S. partners.

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.