The U.S. Secretary of State wants to bolster defense ties in the Indo-Pacific, while distrust of Trump’s commitments to the region, particularly on economic issues, runs deep.

During a press gaggle on Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked a question about Taiwan.

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.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen speaking to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ahead of the East Asia Summit as part of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. IM

Rubio and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum, which brings together 10 ASEAN members and their most important diplomatic partners including Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, European nations and the U.S.

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.

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