The two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.S. trade tariffs offensive.

Rubio said the U.S. tariffs imposed on many Asian countries, including the heaviest levies on China, were a top complaint at the summit.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, met with Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. This meeting comes at a time of escalating trade tensions between the two global powers.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is wrapping his up his second and final day at a Southeast Asian security conference with a high-stakes meeting with his Chinese counterpart as tensions grow over issues from trade to security and China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

While the lack of progress on trade agreements is a concern, economists at Capital Economics expect most Asian nations to reach deals that subject U.S.-bound goods to tariffs in the range of 10% to 20%.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that U.S. President Donald Trump may attend the 47th Asean Summit in October, as his administration works on finalising a date for his potential participation.

During a press briefing at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio covers for Donald Trump's lack of progress in ending the Russia-Ukraine War, stating that it's not his responsibility because it's a war that he "inherited.