AIIB widely recognized, Beijing says

Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin dismissed Ottawa's criticism of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on Thursday and said the Beijing-headquartered bank enjoys a widely recognized reputation as an employer with staff members coming from 65 countries and economies.

Wang made the remarks after Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday that Canada is suspending ties with the bank, while it probes into the allegation that the bank was "dominated by Communist Party members". Canada joined the bank in 2018.

The allegation was made by Bob Pickard, a Canadian who was the AIIB's former communications chief.

Wang made no comment on Pickard's resignation, but he said the AIIB has adhered to the principles of openness and transparency, adding that it selects the most qualified people in its recruitment process.

"With concerted efforts by all members, the AIIB has operated with the highest international standards since it was founded more than seven years ago," Wang told reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

Wang said the bank has achieved important progress in institution building, development of strategies and policies, and investment portfolio, which has been recognized by the world.

"As the largest shareholder of the bank, China will continue to work with all parties to adhere to multilateralism and support the bank's work, so as to make positive contributions to infrastructure construction and sustainable development in Asia and beyond," Wang said.

The AIIB said in a statement on Wednesday that it has accepted Pickard's resignation. He was the director-general of the bank's communications department since March 2022.

The recruitment process to identify a successor will be shortly underway, and an acting director-general will spearhead the bank's communications in the meantime, the bank said.