China at the beginning of the 21st century intrigues many researchers around the world. The problems discussed within this volume provide the readers with a background of most vital issues in modern China. They are related to the challenges of the Chinese society and state's international skirmishes, which is depicted by the book's division into two separate parts. While the first part provides the insight into social change, creating tremendous opportunities, and no less significant threats for the country's future development, the second part looks further and beyond borders to focus our attention on security issues.
Łukasz Gacek, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Middle and Far East Studies of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. He obtained his PhD in political science at the Institute of Political Studies and International Relations of the Jagiellonian University in 2007. In his research he focuses on political systems, security issues, and international relations in East Asia.
Ewa Trojnar, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Middle and Far East Studies of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. She obtained her PhD in political science at the Institute of Political Studies and International Relations of the Jagiellonian University in 2008. Prior to joining Jagiellonian University she completed her MA in European Studies at the University of Economics in Krakow. Her research interests are focused on international relations in East Asia.

Contents
Acknowledgements 7
Preface 9
Chapter One
Natalia Ożegalska-Łukasik, Dagongmei in the Context of Rural-urban Migration Processes in Contemporary China 13
Chapter Two
Agnieszka Szajna-Węgrzyn, The Linguistic Features of Chinese Internet Language 25
Chapter Three
Michał Witek, Chinese Contemporary Art: Between Market and Freedom 35
Chapter Four
Janusz Bąbel, The Modernization of the People's Liberation Army since 1978 49
Chapter Five
Paweł Bieńkowski, The Reduced Role of the People's Liberation Army in the Political Succession to Deng Xiaoping and to Jiang Zemin: Chinese Style Civilian-Military Relations in the Making 63
Chapter Six
Tobiasz Targosz, Chinese Involvement in Southeast Asia on the Example of Myanmar 77
Chapter Seven
Anna Kotfis, China's Energy Policy towards Central Asia and Russia 87
Chapter Eight
Karol Bronicki, Sino-Japanese Dispute over the Seabed Oil and Gas Resources in the East China Sea 97
Chapter Nine
Jacek Budziaszek, China's Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea 111
Chapter Ten
Paulina Opacka, The Way to Hong Kong Handover and its Implications 121