Trump's tariffs may cast a pall over Rubio's first official trip to Asia

President Trump's impending tariffs threaten to overshadow Secretary of State Rubio's Asia trip, intended to strengthen ties against China. These tariffs, impacting several ASEAN nations, risk undermining U.S. efforts to counter China's influence in the South China Sea. Rubio faces a skeptical audience concerned about the economic impact of the tariffs, potentially complicating discussions on regional security and cooperation.