China’s most consequential diplomatic initiative in recent years has been the launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Nearly 60 countries have now joined the bank, suggesting that the new institution is viewed as a useful complement to existing international financial institutions rather than as a threat. But as the architects of the bank construct its foundation under the global spotlight, it remains to be seen how the bank will differentiate itself from its Bretton Woods counterparts and expand China’s influence in the region.
On October 21, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings hosted Jin Liqun, president-designate of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, for a public address, providing an introduction to the work of the bank. President-designate Jin shared his perspectives on the AIIB’s early achievements and challenges.
