DHAKA: Denmark has applied to join the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), China’s Ministry of Finance said on Sunday, becoming the latest European power to join the institution despite misgivings in the United States.

The Ministry of Finance said that Denmark has written to China to ‘announce its intention to apply to be a founding member’ of the AIIB.

‘China welcomes Denmark’s decision,’ the ministry said in a statement on its website, adding that China will first seek the views of other members. If the decision is approved, Denmark will officially be a founding member of the AIIB on April 12, the ministry said, reports The Straits Times.

On Saturday, Russia, Australia and the Netherlands became the latest three countries to say they plan to join the AIIB, adding clout to an institution seen as enhancing China's regional and global influence.

BDST: 1400 HRS, MAR 29, 2015