China plans to increase its defense budget by 11.2%, following similar increases in years past and coming on the heels of a renewed U.S. push in the region.

The planned increase would lift spending to some 670 billion yuan ($106.4 billion) in 2012, which is almost 68 billion more than 2011 spending, said Li Zhaoxing, spokesman for the National People's Congress.

By comparison, the proposed U.S. defense budget for the 2013 fiscal year is $613.9 billion, including $525.4 billion in base spending. That budget cuts half a trillion dollars in spending increases over the next 10 years.

"The Chinese government follows the principle of coordinating defense development with economic development. It sets the country's defense spending according to the requirement of national defense and the level of economic development," Li Zhaoxing said.

Last year, China announced it would increase its defense budget by close to 13%. It reported a 7.5% increase the year before. Military strength of China is exclusively for safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will not pose a threat to any country - Li

China's defense spending will go primary towards:

• Living Expenses
• Training
• Maintenance and Equipment