During his first visit to China as Canada's new prime minister on Sept. 2, Justin Trudeau announced, among other initiatives, that his country would apply to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, making Canada the first North American member of the China-backed institution. Along with Trudeau's commitment to make climate change a government priority and to "reset" the relationship with China, this departure from the approach of the previous Canadian government has generated both support and skepticism at home.
Some wonder if Canada is moving too early on its membership. But for the most part, the skepticism has less to do with the AIIB itself and more about what Canada had received from China in exchange for this decision -- and whether it has been shortchanged.
