Mark Rubio, acting National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, defended President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Friday, telling regional leaders that many Southeast Asian nations could ultimately benefit from lower rates than other parts of the world,

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington,

Secretary of State Marco Rubio wants to bolster ties with Asia to counter Beijing’s power, but President Trump’s tariff threats have nations asking why they should align with Washington.