Most nations are still negotiating in hopes of avoiding punitive import taxes. At the same time, they’re looking for trading partners as a way around the United States.

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.