The two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of simmering tension over a U.S. trade tariffs offensive.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is wrapping his up his time at a Southeast Asian security conference with a meeting with his Chinese counterpart as tensions grow over issues from trade to security and China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday met with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of a major Asian conference in Malaysia as President Trump’s tariffs roil U.S. partners in Asia. Rubio described his conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as “constructive and pragmatic” and emphasized the importance of keeping channels of communication open.