China's official defence spending will rise by 11.2% in 2012, pushing it above $100bn (£65bn) for the first time, the government has announced.
Beijing's defence budget has risen each year for two decades to become the world's second-biggest, behind the US.
It is developing an aircraft carrier, a stealth fighter jet, and missiles that can shoot down satellites.
The US promised to bolster its presence in the region last year, in a move seen as countering China's dominance.
Washington, which spends about $740bn on defence each year, already has bases housing thousands of American troops across the region.
The BBC's Martin Patience in Beijing says Chinese officials remain wary about growing American influence in the region, and believe Washington wants to encircle China.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-17249476
That's almost as much as the UK and Russia combined.