Research interests

• Globalization-security interconnections with reference to semiconductors;
• Economic statecraft in the realm of semiconductors;
• Theory and practice of sovereignty;
• Chinese foreign policy;
• Cross-Strait Relations.

Current research

Problematic sovereignty along China's periphery:

This interdisciplinary project aims to present the first comprehensive analysis of evolving sovereignty within three peripheral regions of China. Grounded in extensive field research, which includes over 210 interviews with key stakeholders rarely featured in mainstream studies, the study explores how and why certain aspects of sovereignty have changed in these polities. It sheds light on the intricate and contested nature of Chinese sovereignty in these areas. Going beyond the traditional boundaries of international relations (IR), area studies, and political geography, this project contributes to a nuanced understanding of Chinese politics and enriches sovereignty studies within the field of IR literature.

This current research project has received funding through two rounds of research grants from the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange, as well as the University of Southampton's Annual Adventures in Research Award.

The outcomes of this study are expected to lead to several journal articles and a research monograph, titled 'Achilles Heel of the Dragon – Problematic Sovereignty along China’s Periphery.

Economic Statecraft and Semiconductor Supply Chain Vulnerability in the United States, China and Taiwan:

This new research project aims to solve the following research puzzles: What is driving the American, Chinese, and Taiwanese pursuit of strategic objectives in the arena of semiconductors? How does economic statecraft work in both domestically oriented and externally oriented arenas in the three cases? What makes it more or less effective, and how is this significant?

It draws insights from international political economy and security studies to critically examine the efficacy of economic statecraft in managing insecurity in the realm of semiconductors in a comparative study through rigorous research involving mixed methods, with the aim to contribute to the literature on economic statecraft and pertinent policy debates. 

• Chinese Politics;
• China and Global Politics;
• International Relations Theories;
• Understanding Modern China;
• Contemporary Security Challenges;
• Crises of the 21st century.

Dr. Ming-chin Monique Chu serves as a lecturer in Chinese politics at the University of Southampton. Prior to joining Southampton, she taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and the University of Oxford. Holding MPhil and PhD degrees in international relations from the University of Cambridge, her research focuses on the geopolitics and geoeconomics of semiconductors, the concept and practice of sovereignty, and Cross-Strait relations.

Her groundbreaking monograph, 'The East Asian Computer Chip War' (Routledge, 2013), delves into the security implications of semiconductor globalization and has since become a widely cited authoritative work in the field. Additionally, she co-edited 'Globalization and Security Relations across the Taiwan Strait: In the Shadow of China' (with Scott L. Kastner, Routledge, 2014). Her scholarly contributions extend to publications in reputable journals such as The Journal of Strategic Studies, The China Quarterly, and China Perspectives. Currently, Dr. Chu is working on her second monograph, titled 'Achilles Heel of the Dragon – Problematic Sovereignty along China’s Periphery.' Funding for her research projects comes from the Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange, as well as various university research awards. She has received teaching excellence awards from SOAS and the University of Southampton.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Chu provided oral evidence on China’s Asian policies, offering insights into British foreign policy amid changing global conditions before the House of Lords International Relations Committee in March 2018.

Dr. Chu is a featured speaker on semiconductors and security at various think tanks in England, America, continental Europe, and Asia. She has been interviewed by major international media outlets, including the BBC, National Public Radio, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, South China Morning Post, and TRT World, covering topics ranging from the geopolitics of semiconductors to Chinese foreign policy, Cross-Strait relations, Sino-US relations, and Sino-British relations.