The latest news and top stories on Lauren Johnston. A development economist, she is a Senior Research Fellow at the AustChina Institute, contributing to its analysis of Australia-China relations. She also holds positions as a Senior Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs and an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney China Studies Centre. Her expertise lies in China-Africa economic relations, demographic change and the economy. With a PhD in Economics from Peking University, her work includes advising the World Bank and United Nations. She posits Africa is ideal for RMB internationalisation due to significant trade with China and foreign currency access issues.