Boris Johnson’s stance on Iran, Trump

– On the US-Iran conflict:

Johnson has said while the 2015 nuclear deal is looking “increasingly frail” and ways need to be found to constrain Iran’s “disruptive behaviour”, engaging with the Iranians and seeking to persuade them not to pursue a nuclear weapons program is the right way forward. He has so far shown little sign of moving closer to US President Donald Trump’s more hardline approach.

– On unrest in Hong Kong:

Johnson said the people of Hong Kong were “within their rights to be very sceptical, very anxious” about the now-jettisoned extradition bill which has sparked weeks of mass protests.

– On Chinese telecom giant Huawei:

A final decision on whether to include China’s Huawei in Britain’s 5G telecoms network has been stalled by Theresa May stepping down. Johnson has said while there can be significant benefits to investment from other countries, he would not compromise Britain’s national security infrastructure.

– On the “special relationship” with the United States:

Johnson is keen to maintain a strong relationship with the US and is reportedly considering a visit to meet Trump early in his premiership. During a leadership debate, Johnson did criticise Trump for his comments about four congresswomen but declined to describe the remarks as racist.

Read the article in The Canberra Times (AAP).