Suki Waterhouse reveals why she hasn’t watched Twilight yet

Data from the Ministry of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reveals that the ongoing Ebola outbreak declared on 15 May has killed over 1,000 people in just over two months. This marks the fastest-spreading outbreak of the virus on record, reaching 1,000 fatalities nearly three times quicker than the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic. As of Tuesday, the country has recorded 2,536 confirmed cases and 1,033 deaths, with the case fatality rate standing at 40 per cent. Unlike the 2014–2016 epidemic driven by the more common Ebola virus, the current surge is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or targeted therapeutic treatments. The outbreak remains largely concentrated across five eastern provinces near the Ugandan border. Health officials warn that the peak may still lie ahead due to late patient presentations, initial delays in identifying the strain, and a high proportion of new cases emerging outside monitored contact lists.

Iran is expected to receive a shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence systems within weeks, according to sources familiar with the reported agreement. The deal involves between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The systems reportedly include China’s QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. The agreement is estimated to be worth between $60 million and $70 million. If completed, it would represent one of Iran’s most significant known efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities since the country’s recent conflict with the United States and Israel. Three sources familiar with the agreement told Reuters that the deal has already been signed. They spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the reported military arrangement. The agreement was reportedly made through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company described by the sources as an intermediary between Iranian interests and the Chinese supplier. Iran has been seeking to rebuild and strengthen its military capabilities after months of fighting. During the conflict, US and Israeli strikes reportedly targeted facilities associated with Iran’s missile, drone and air-defence programmes. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks. The fighting also exposed difficulties in protecting fixed military installations and strategic infrastructure from advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons. The reported acquisition of hundreds of MANPADS could provide Iran with a more mobile layer of defence. Unlike large fixed air-defence systems, portable systems can be operated by small teams and moved quickly between locations. The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems. They are designed to engage low-flying targets, including aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility could allow Iranian forces to deploy them around military facilities, energy infrastructure and other sensitive locations. Defence analysts consider the QW-12 less advanced than some newer Chinese systems. However, they say such weapons can still offer useful short-range protection against drones and low-flying aircraft. The reported delivery route has also drawn attention. According to the sources, the initial shipments are expected to travel by air from Urumqi in western China before passing through Pakistan and reaching Iran. The sources did not clarify whether the equipment would subsequently be transported into Iran by road or by air. Pakistan has rejected any suggestion that it is involved in supplying Chinese air-defence weapons to Iran. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described reports of Pakistan’s involvement in the transfer as false and fabricated. A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has also denied the reported deal. Its Foreign Ministry described the reports as groundless and said Beijing’s position has consistently focused on promoting peace and ending conflict. Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported agreement. The sources also cautioned that the reported deal could still change. Delivery schedules, quantities and other implementation arrangements may be altered before the weapons reach Iran. Security officials and defence experts have indicated that Iran has been exploring different options to acquire Chinese military equipment. A European security source said authorities were aware of several proposed contracts involving QW-series MANPADS. These reportedly included the QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19 systems. A separate Middle Eastern security source said Iran had sought QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was not aware of a completed agreement. Iran has invested heavily in domestic missiles, drones and radar systems over the past two decades. However, international sanctions and restrictions have continued to limit its access to foreign defence equipment. The reported purchase highlights Tehran’s continued effort to combine domestic weapons production with foreign military supplies. Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official also said Iran had explored land routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components. Such routes could potentially provide a more discreet method of moving sensitive supplies and reduce the risk of disruption. The reported agreement comes as military ties between China and Iran appear to be attracting greater attention. A separate agreement involving Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles was also reportedly under discussion. However, it remains unclear whether that deal was ultimately completed.

China has strongly opposed a US decision to place several Chinese research institutions on a sanctions list. Beijing criticised the move on Wednesday. It accused Washington of using national security concerns to restrict scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its research institutions. The spokesperson also said China wanted to maintain a stable environment for normal scientific exchanges and cooperation with international partners. Beijing accused the United States of repeatedly expanding the definition of national security. It said Washington had created discriminatory barriers against Chinese institutions. China also criticised what it described as the politicisation and weaponisation of scientific research. According to Beijing, such policies could damage cooperation between researchers and universities in both countries. The Chinese government said the US measures were against the broader global trend of international cooperation in science and technological innovation. Beijing urged Washington to withdraw what it called unjustified accusations against Chinese research institutions. China also called on the United States to correct its policies as soon as possible. It demanded fair, just and non-discriminatory treatment for Chinese research organisations. The dispute comes amid wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and national security. The United States has increasingly tightened restrictions on Chinese access to advanced technologies. Semiconductor manufacturing has become a major area of competition between the two countries. China is also working to expand its domestic semiconductor industry. Beijing aims to reduce its dependence on advanced foreign chips affected by US export restrictions. Last week, the US Department of Defence updated a list of foreign institutions it considers involved in “problematic activities”. The updated list included Chinese defence-related academies and several universities. Shanghai-based Fudan University was also among the institutions added to the list. The latest move is likely to add another point of tension to already strained US-China relations. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US measures targeting Chinese companies, universities and research organisations. Washington, meanwhile, has maintained that its restrictions are linked to national security and technology concerns.