Rubio stresses US commitment to Asia at ASEAN meeting

Washington seeks to reassure region amid concerns over its shifting focus

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gestures as he arrives for a group photo with Southeast Asian foreign ministers during an ASEAN event in Manila on July 22. © Reuters

MANILA -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reassured his Southeast Asian counterparts of Washington's "100%" commitment to the region, stressing that partnerships with Asian countries are in the U.S. national interest.