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

Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may cast a pall over his top diplomat’s first official trip to Asia this week — just as the U.S. seeks to boost relations with Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Kazakhstan will face 25% import duties starting Aug. 1, while goods from Laos and Myanmar will face a 40% tariff.