Latest news with #NortheastAsian
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Lee visits Busan, pledges swift relocation of oceans ministry
President Lee Jae Myung visited Busan on Friday and pledged to swiftly relocate the oceans ministry to the southeastern port city. The relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries from the central city of Sejong was one of Lee's campaign pledges. "I will swiftly execute the relocation of state organs, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, to Busan, as much as is possible," Lee said during a townhall meeting held at Pukyong University, adding he is not sure the ministry relocation will be possible before the end of the year. Lee said achieving balanced development across regions is a "national survival strategy" that cannot be avoided and requires consideration of each region's characteristics. "Climate change has increased the potential of Arctic shipping lanes and Busan is highly likely to benefit from that," he said. "If we do not prepare in advance, we will lose the opportunity." Lee called for discussing measures to develop Busan into a Northeast Asian hub city. (Yonhap)
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rubio seeks to counter unease over Trump tariffs on first Asia trip
KUALA LUMPUR: US 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 that the region is a US priority despite President Donald Trump's tariff offensive. Washington's top diplomat joined foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur at a meeting that includes Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, Russia, South Korea and others. The visit is part of an effort to renew US focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration's attention. "The story of the next 50 years will largely be written here in this region," Rubio told Asean ministers, describing the Indo-Pacific as a "focal point of US foreign policy." "When I hear ... that perhaps the United States or the world might be distracted by events in other parts of the planet, I would say distraction is impossible," Rubio added. However, Trump's global tariff strategy has cast a shadow over the trip after he unveiled steep tariffs from August 1 on eight Asean members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea. In a sign of the upset, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a television news programme that Japan needed to wean itself from US dependence in key areas. "If they think Japan ought to follow what America says as we depend heavily on them, then we need to work to become more self-sufficient in security, energy and food, and less dependent on America," he said. Analysts said Rubio would be looking to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington's main strategic rival. "Rubio said the right things but has limited ability to reassure considering the underlying dynamics," said Gregory Poling, a Southeast Asia expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. "All of these countries were receiving letters from the White House with their new tariff rates at the same time Rubio was trying to message continuity." Christopher Johnstone, a former Biden White House official now with the Asia Group consultancy, said trade frictions, US pressure over defence spending, and uncertainty about US defence commitments had pushed US-Japan tension to a level probably not seen in a generation. But reducing Tokyo's reliance on the US, he added, was easier said than done. "And if the two countries reach a trade agreement by August 1, it could fade," he said. "But Ishiba's comments reflect sentiment that is real and widespread." FRANK EXCHANGE Rubio also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, their second in-person meeting, at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on. Rubio said he had a frank discussion and reinforced Trump's disappointment that there has not been more Russian flexibility. "We need to see a roadmap moving forward about how this conflict can conclude," Rubio told reporters. Russia's foreign ministry said there was "a substantive and frank exchange of views" on the situation around Ukraine, Iran and Syria. Rubio said he may also meet with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi this week. Lavrov met Wang, who said China and Russia should strengthen coordination to promote Middle East peace and push for dialogue on the Iran nuclear issue. "Peace cannot be achieved through force, and applying pressure won't solve problems," Wang said, according to the foreign ministry in Beijing. Wang separately pledged China's help to boost Asean's capacity to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, an Asian trade pact Beijing is backing. Rubio addressed the tariff issue in speaking to reporters. "Of course it's raised," he said. "It's an issue, but I wouldn't say it solely defines our relationship with many of these countries. There are a lot of other issues that we work together on." He said a high-level delegation, including US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, would travel to Japan next week. PERFECT STORM Export-reliant Asean is collectively the world's fifth-biggest economy. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump to lower its levy to 20 per cent from an initial 46 per cent. Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday that it was "urgently seeking more detail" on his threat of 200 per cent tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. At a meeting with Asean, China, Japan and South Korea, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Asia was being tested and is facing "the perfect storm." "Unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise, marginalising multilateralism that is essential for a stable world order," he said. The US State Department said Rubio discussed building resilient critical mineral supply chains and security of AI chip technologies with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said in video released by his office that tariffs were the first item for discussion. "He knows Malaysia is a major trading country for them in this region and he pledged to consider and extend our views (to Trump)," Anwar said. A draft joint Asean communiqué seen by Reuters, preceding news of the latest tariff rates, shows that Asean foreign ministers, without specifically mentioning the US, will express concern about rising global uncertainties "particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs."
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes first visit to Asia as Trump tariffs loom
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Reuters) - 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. Washington's top diplomat joined foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur at a meeting that includes Australia, China, the European Union, Japan, Russia, South Korea and Russia, and others. The visit is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration's attention. "It is our view, our strong view, and the reality that this century and the next, the story of the next 50 years, will largely be written here in this region, in this part of the world," Rubio told the gathering of ASEAN ministers. "When I hear … that perhaps the United States or the world might be distracted by events in other parts of the planet, I would say distraction is impossible," added Rubio, who doubles as national security adviser. However, Trump's global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip after he unveiled steep tariffs from August 1 on seven ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea. More: Trump hits Philippines and 6 more countries with higher tariffs Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm U.S. ties with partners and allies unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington's main strategic rival, experts said. "This is significant, and it's an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive," said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. More: Rubio impersonator used AI voice to contact US, foreign officials "It's kind of late, because we're seven months into the administration. Usually, these happen much sooner. But then again, it is extraordinary circumstances… But I guess better late than never." China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov are also attending the event. Rubio was set for talks with Lavrov later on Thursday that will be their second in-person meeting, at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on. TARIFFS UNEASE On Thursday, Rubio stressed to ASEAN that the Indo-Pacific was a "focal point of U.S. foreign policy". In addition to their tariff unease, many have doubts about the willingness of Trump's "America First" administration to fully engage diplomatically and economically with the region. Trump will impose a tariff of 25% on Japan and South Korea and has taken aim at ASEAN nations, with a levy of 25% on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, as well as 40% on Laos and Myanmar. He has also stepped up to 20% from 17% the tariff on U.S. defence treaty ally the Philippines. More: Marco Rubio: Trump defense deal with NATO is a big, beautiful win for America | Exclusive Export-reliant ASEAN is collectively the world's fifth-biggest economy, with some members benefiting from supply chain realignments from China. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump to lower its levy to 20% from an initial 46%. Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday it was "urgently seeking more detail" on his threat of 200% tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. A draft joint communique seen by Reuters shows that ASEAN foreign ministers will express "concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties … particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs." Monday's draft, preceding news of the latest tariff rates, did not mention the United States and used language similar to an ASEAN leaders' statement in May. Both said tariffs were "counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation". The State Department official said Rubio would be prepared to discuss trade and reiterate that the need to rebalance U.S. trade relationships was significant. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis in Kuala Lumpur and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Martin Petty and Clarence Fernandez)
MTV Lebanon
10-07-2025
- Business
- MTV Lebanon
Rubio makes first visit to Asia as Trump tariffs loom
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington, even as President Donald Trump targets it in his global tariff offensive. Washington's top diplomat will meet foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, and also hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is in the Malaysian capital, according to the US State Department. Rubio's trip is part of an effort to renew US focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration's attention, with Rubio balancing dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser. However, Trump's global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip, after the president announced steep tariffs to take effect on August 1 on six ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea. Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm up US relationships with partners and allies, who have been unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington's main strategic rival, experts said. "This is significant, and it's an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive," said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. Rubio will also meet with Lavrov later on Thursday, according to the US State Department schedule. It would be the second in-person meeting between Rubio and Lavrov, and comes at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to join talks from Thursday, but it was unclear if Rubio would meet with him.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rubio makes first visit to Asia as Trump tariffs loom
KUALA LUMPUR: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington, even as President Donald Trump targets it in his global tariff offensive. Washington's top diplomat will meet foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, and also hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is in the Malaysian capital, according to the U.S. State Department. Rubio's trip is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration's attention, with Rubio balancing dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser. However, Trump's global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip, after the president announced steep tariffs to take effect on August 1 on six ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea. Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm up U.S. relationships with partners and allies, who have been unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington's main strategic rival, experts said. 'This is significant, and it's an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive,' said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies. Rubio will also meet with Lavrov later on Thursday, according to the U.S. State Department schedule. It would be the second in-person meeting between Rubio and Lavrov, and comes at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to join talks from Thursday, but it was unclear if Rubio would meet with him. 'Better late than never' A senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Monday that among Rubio's priorities on the trip was reaffirming Washington's commitment to the region, not just for its sake but because it promotes American prosperity and security. 'It's kind of late, because we're seven months into the administration,' Cha said of Rubio's trip. 'Usually, these happen much sooner. But then again, it is extraordinary circumstances. But I guess better late than never.' Security cooperation is a top priority, including the strategic South China Sea, and combating transnational crime, narcotics, scam centers, and trafficking in persons, said the State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. As well as their unease about Trump's tariff policies, many in the Indo-Pacific have doubts about the willingness of his 'America First' administration to fully engage diplomatically and economically with the region. Trump said this week he would impose a 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea and also took aim at ASEAN nations, announcing a 25% levy on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar. Marco Rubio says NATO members will agree to 5% defence spending over next decade by June summit Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday it was 'urgently seeking more detail' on his threat to raise tariffs to 200% on pharmaceutical imports. According to a draft joint communique seen by Reuters, ASEAN foreign ministers will express 'concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs.' The draft, dated Monday, before the latest U.S. tariff rates were announced, did not mention the United States and used language similar to an ASEAN leaders' statement in May. Both said tariffs were 'counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation.' Trump says US will charge Brazil with 50% tariff The State Department official said Rubio would be prepared to discuss trade and reiterate that the need to rebalance U.S. trade relationships is significant. The export-reliant ASEAN is collectively the world's fifth-biggest economy, with some members beneficiaries of supply chain realignments from China. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump, which lowers the levy to 20% from 46% initially.
