Secretary of State Marco Rubio met counterparts in Southeast Asia during his first visit to the region since taking office.

For most world leaders, tariff letters from US President Donald Trump mean a big headache. But for one Southeast Asian general, the communique is being spun as welcome recognition of the embattled, isolated and reviled junta he leads.

Canada’s top diplomat said she aims to finalize a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations “as soon as possible,” as the country looks to expand economic ties in the face of tariffs from President Donald Trump.