Southeast Asia got some of the worst of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, with steep duties imposed on countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. Leaders throughout the region are now frantically trying to negotiate with the White House to see if they can get a reprieve.

In hope of avoiding punishing U.S. tariffs, Vietnam is prepared to crack down on Chinese goods being shipped to the United States via its territory and will tighten controls on sensitive exports to China,

President Donald Trump says tariffs on Chinese imports to the United States will eventually be lowered, after both Beijing and Washington appeared to soften their positions about potential trade talks.