02:13
Chinese Canadians caught in the crossfire as Canada-China tensions rise
Freeland also said she would be approaching Canada’s allies about the allegations, highlighting recent efforts by Western countries to “de-risk” their economies from China, which drew a sharp rebuke from the embassy.
An embassy spokesperson said “relevant individuals’ remarks on the AIIB are purely sensational hype and outright lies”.
“As an important member of the AIIB, China has always followed multilateral rules and procedures, and participated in decision-making through multilateral governance mechanisms such as the Council and the Board of Directors,” the spokesperson said.
“The real risks facing the world are camp confrontation and a ‘new Cold War’. China is an active contributor to maintaining world peace, promoting common development, and responding to global challenges.”
Pickard, who joined the bank in March 2022, wrote on Twitter that he had grown “concerned” for his security while working for AIIB, which he claimed had a “toxic work culture”.
In its own statement on Wednesday, AIIB disputed his claims, saying it had “empowered” and “supported” Pickard throughout his tenure.
The AIIB was founded in Beijing in 2016 and is regarded by some as a Chinese alternative to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
