Malaysia admitted to buying four coastal patrolling vessels from China, marking the first significant defense business deal between the two countries.

On Oct. 31, Najib Razak began his third visit to China since becoming prime minister. Mainstream Malaysian media outlets emphasized not only the militarily agreement, but also the unique role of Malaysia in the Belt and Road Initiative.

On Nov. 2, the BBC reported that Malaysia is willing to solve the South China Sea dispute peacefully, through bilateral conversations. The BBC also examined how the U.S. has come across new obstacles in its competition with China for regional influence. Bloomberg News called the purchase a milestone.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Nihon Keizai Shimbun described how Malaysia’s purchase of the vessels is an extension of the improving diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines. Manila Bulletin reported that Najib’s visit indicates that Malaysia is also pivoting toward China.