Marco Rubio’s first trip to Asia as secretary of state was aimed at assuring U.S. partners. Instead, it was cut short and dominated by trade tensions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled the Tokyo and Seoul destinations of this week’s trip to Asia amid an Israeli visit to the White House and a renewed trade war.

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