U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to hold high-stakes talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, concluding his first Asia trip at the ASEAN security conference in Malaysia. The meeting, their first in-person encounter, comes as U.S. - China tensions soar over trade, security, and Beijing’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Rubio, wrapping up a two-day visit, has been navigating regional concerns about U.S. tariffs, including President Trump’s threatened 25% levies on ASEAN nations, Japan, and South Korea. While engaging with Southeast Asian leaders, Rubio emphasized U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific, signing a civil-nuclear cooperation deal with Malaysia to bolster ties. However, trade disputes dominated discussions, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticizing tariffs as tools of geopolitical rivalry.

China’s Wang Yi, meanwhile, slammed U.S. tariffs as “unilateral protectionism,” warning they threaten global trade stability. He and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whom Rubio also met, issued a joint statement supporting ASEAN’s regional role and cautioning against U.S.-led divisions in the Asia-Pacific.

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Rubio, a known China hawk, is expected to raise concerns about Beijing’s backing of Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, a point of contention since the Biden administration. “The Chinese have been supporting Russia’s efforts, helping as much as they can without getting caught,” Rubio said Thursday. The talks also follow a January phone call where Rubio and Wang clashed over Taiwan and South China Sea issues.

As both nations vie for influence in Southeast Asia, Rubio’s meetings with Japan and South Korea’s foreign ministers underscore U.S. efforts to counter China’s growing assertiveness, despite tariff-related strains with allies. The ASEAN summit highlights the delicate balance of cooperation and confrontation in the region.

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