Rubio visits Malaysia in first trip to Asia as secretary of state – Washington Examiner
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making his first official trip to Asia, focusing on Malaysia, were he is scheduled to participate in several key diplomatic meetings. His visit, which runs from July 8 to July 12, coincides with President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imports from Malaysia. Teh agenda includes attendance at meaningful forums like the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Rubio’s trip underscores the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and aims to bolster partnerships with ASEAN and Malaysia amidst rising tensions and trade issues in the region, particularly with the backdrop of China’s involvement in regional affairs.
Rubio visits Malaysia in first trip to Asia as secretary of state
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Malaysia to attend several diplomatic meetings with senior Malaysian government officials. It is his first diplomatic visit to Asia as a member of the Trump administration.
Rubio’s visit to the country comes a day after President Donald Trump announced imports from Malaysia would face a 25% tariff.
Rubio will visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 8 to July 12 and participate in the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States Post-Ministerial Conference, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, according to a press release by the State Department.
“In his first trip to Asia as Secretary of State, Secretary Rubio is focused on reaffirming the United States’ commitment to advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region,” read the release.
“During this trip, the Secretary will highlight the strength of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN in delivering results for the American people and the people of Southeast Asia, as well as our commitment to building on our Comprehensive Partnership with Malaysia,” the release noted.
TRUMP SENDS LETTERS TO JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCING 25% TARIFFS ON AUG. 1
ASEAN consists of ten member states: Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the People’s Democratic Republic of Lao, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The alliance’s motto is “one vision, one identity, one community.”
China’s presence will also be felt at the summit despite not being an ASEAN member. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the diplomatic meeting. It has not been confirmed whether Yi will meet with Rubio.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
