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.

The ASEAN communique did not name the US, but its opposition to the tariffs was obvious, expressing concern over “rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties” and “unilateral actions relating to tariffs.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia on Thursday during his first visit to Asia since taking office, seeking to reassure them the region is a U.S. priority despite President Donald Trump's tariff offensive.