Rubio called it a "very constructive and positive" meeting. He hinted at a possible meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The top diplomats for the US and China held “constructive” talks in Malaysia, seen a prelude to a possible leadership summit later this year.

Anwar cited the US' willingness to review trade tariffs and strengthen ties with both Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. The prime minister also extended a formal invitation to Trump, through Rubio, to attend the upcoming summit in October.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to visit Washington soon as he underlined the strong ties between the two nations along with Japan.

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.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio talks about countering China as it expands its global influence. But President Trump’s tariff threats have created friction with U.S. partners.