<h1>President imposes sweeping tariffs on Asian nations ahead of Secretary of State's regional security conference</h1> The President imposed sweeping tariffs on several countries, including Asian nations, effective next month, potentially complicating his Secretary of State's first official trip to Asia. The diplomat planned to attend a Southeast Asian regional security conference in Malaysia, where officials from at least eight countries targeted for new tariffs would be present. The administration hoped to focus on maritime security in the South China Sea and combating transnational crime, but tariff discussions may overshadow these priorities. Among targeted nations, some face up to 40% tariffs, while others like Japan and South Korea face 25% tariffs absent trade deals. The tariff policy may undermine efforts to strengthen Indo-Pacific relations to counter regional influence from rival nations.