About

Hsiao-Chen J. Lin

is a sociocultural anthropologist and a doctoral student at SOAS University of London, currently researching the politicisation of Taiwan-China trade relations and its multifarious meanings (e.g. the so-called ‘silicone shield’ as defense against PRC annexion, etc.) through investigating the semiconductor industry in Taiwan. Lin developed their academic interest in economic trade as part of everyday practices with political implications in their MPhil dissertation project studying Chinese ‘cotton dolls’ (mianhua wawa) being traded in Taiwan, which Lin received distinction for from the University of Oxford.

Lin is also interested in the cyber flow of popular culture across the borders of these three nation-states and the consequent formation of subversive and creative online communities that resist state powers and influences. Lin has presented at academic symposia on topics including videogames Devotion, Detention, and Butterfly Soup in the form of critical cultural studies and translation studies.