US anger at Britain joining Chinese-led investment bank AIIB

US statement says of UK membership that it is 'worried about a trend of constant accommodation' of China, in a rare public breach in the special relationship

The White House has issued a pointed statement declaring it hopes and expects the UK will use its influence to ensure that high standards of governance are upheld in a new Chinese-led investment bank that Britain is to join.

In a rare public breach in the special relationship, the White House signalled its unease at Britain's decision to become a founder member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) by raising concerns about whether the new body would meet the standards of the World Bank.

I think the US has had its questions about the UK posture towards China on other issues

Related: The Guardian view on the Asian Infrastructure Bank: the US should work with it, not oppose it | Editorial