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

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Thursday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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.

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

The meeting between Russia and the U.S.’s chief diplomats comes on the heels of a phone call between Trump and Putin.