It is a mistaken notion to believe that by giving aircraft, warships etc. to a number of ASEAN countries means a likely security coalition would be eventually be formed. Some major countries may try to instigate "hostilities" in the region, but it would probably not work. President Duarte of the Philippines who is the ASEAN Chair in the recent group's meeting stressed on PEACE and economic progress in the region. This included having good relations with China; and the South-China Sea contentious issues will be worked out bi-laterally and peacefully. This is OUR region - the priority is to trade with everyone nation globally, as ASEAN's economic progress/growth are priorities. Most ASEAN countries I believe would not be naïve to pay serious attention to rhetoric by any major or medium powers.