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

AP/YONHAP]   Sweeping tariffs set to be imposed by President Donald Trump next month may cast a pall over his top diplomat’s first official trip to Asia this week — just as the United States seeks to boost relations with Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

The U.S. State Department announced Monday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head to Malaysia Tuesday, just after threats of higher tariffs made by President Donald Trump on nations aligned with BRICS.