Tensions apparent over Asian bank proposal

By John Garnaut, Seoul and Gareth Hutchens
Updated November 1 2014 - 10:08am, first published 2:24am
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australia is still open to join the proposed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. Photo: Angela Wylie
Prime Minister Tony Abbott says Australia is still open to join the proposed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank. Photo: Angela Wylie

Australia is pressing ahead with talks to join a Chinese-led regional infrastructure bank in an effort to persuade Beijing to accept governance standards that would preclude corrupt or strategically provocative projects, such as dual-purpose South Pacific ports that could host Chinese naval vessels.