Chinese top leaders to attend AIIB opening activities

Photo taken on Dec. 21, 2015 shows the sign of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing, capital of China. The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a complement to existing international financial system, was formally established Friday in Beijing and expected to start operation early next year.(Xinhua/Li Xin)

BEIJING, Jan. 8 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang will attend activities marking the opening of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing on Friday.

Xi will attend and address the inaugurating ceremony in the morning of Jan. 16 while Li will address the founding conference of the AIIB council in the afternoon, Hua noted. The series of opening activities will last from Jan. 16 to 18.

The China-initiated development bank was formally established in Beijing on Dec. 25 of last year. The bank, headquartered in Beijing, now has 57 members.