As global media keep their focus on the Islamic State (IS) and the US airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, other notable, potentially headline-making events are being missed.

On Sept. 20, China dispatched ships to the Persian Gulf for a joint exercise with the Iranian navy — the first time that Chinese warships have ever sailed in the Gulf. The Chinese missile destroyer Changchun and missile frigate Changzhou of the 17th Naval Fleet took part in a five-day joint training drill, the aim of which was "establishing peace, stability, tranquility and multilateral and mutual cooperation," according to Adm. Amir Hossein Azad, commander of Iran's First Naval Zone.

In understanding the move by China and Iran, one must keep three things in mind. First, it is the first time China, a US rival that does not border the Gulf, has ever sailed warships in the Gulf. Second, these exercises signal a boost in Iran's position in the Gulf and the region. Third, the move cannot be viewed outside China's response to the US foreign policy concept of "Pivot to Asia," which signaled a US plan to shift focus and resources to Asia in response to China's growing power and influence — a move that China saw as an attempt to contain it.

The Gulf is a globally important strategic location — an area that the United States is willing to spend "blood and iron" to keep under its influence or, practically, its control. For the Gulf to be approached by China, it would — or should — make the United States take notice.