US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden has made headlines for testing international relations, but recently he nearly ended the relationship of an elderly Chinese couple in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Debate over whether Snowden is a hero or traitor caused a woman to demand a divorce from her husband, the Ningbo Evening News reported on August 8.

The wife, surnamed Fang, discussed Snowden's case with her husband over dinner on July 28. The argument between the spouses, both aged over 60, escalated until the husband, who had been drinking alcohol, lashed out and struck Fang.

Fang, accompanied by her children, later requested a divorce at the Haishu district civil affairs bureau. Her husband was absent because he did not agree to a divorce.

Fang's husband was telephoned by a bureau employee. He apologized for his behavior, which he blamed on the hot weather, and soon arrived at the bureau to persuade Fang not to leave him.

Luo Hongyuan, head of the Haishu district civil affairs bureau, said that the number of couples filing for divorce in Ningbo during July climbed 20 percent month-on-month. Luo said soaring summer temperatures had caused "mood heatstroke" among couples, who more easily lost their temper of trivial matters.

Web editor: pangqi@globaltimes.com.cn