Author: tnpump.com

On October 22, the State Council Information Office held a press conference to present the foreign exchange balance data for the first three quarters of 2024. During the event, Li Hongyan, Deputy Director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, underscored the important role of a resilient market and the solid foundations that will support the stable operation of the foreign exchange market as China continues to pursue high-quality economic development and high-level openness.

Li noted that in September, the Federal Reserve announced a 50 basis point interest rate cut, marking a shift after more than two years of tightening policy, which adjusted the interest rate differential between China and the U.S. Although uncertainties remain regarding the future pace and path of the Fed’s interest rate cuts, market expectations have been adjusting alongside U.S. economic data. Historical trends indicate that changes in U.S. monetary policy can have spillover effects on global financial markets. While China’s foreign exchange market has faced challenges, it has generally remained stable, thanks largely to strong domestic fundamentals. Li asserted that the future of China’s economy will increasingly enhance market resilience, creating better conditions for the stable functioning of the foreign exchange market.

Li emphasized three key points. Firstly, China’s sustained economic recovery will help solidify the internal foundation for the stable operation of the domestic foreign exchange market. This year, the economy has shown overall stability, with the recently released GDP data for the first three quarters indicating a 4.8% year-on-year growth rate, which is relatively high globally. China has also reinforced macroeconomic policy adjustments, implementing a series of stimulus measures designed to boost economic recovery and enhance market confidence, thereby supporting cross-border trade and investment, and further stabilizing the foreign exchange market.

Secondly, the establishment of a new high-level open economic system will enhance the stability of international payments and the functioning of the foreign exchange market. China’s innovation-driven development strategy and its advantages across the entire industrial chain will continue to play a crucial role, allowing foreign trade to stabilize and the current account to operate within reasonable bounds. The ongoing systematic advancement of high-level institutional openness is broadening cross-border investment channels and facilitating transactions, which in turn promotes a balanced flow of cross-border capital. Altogether, this balanced and stable international payments situation will contribute to the maintenance of the yuan’s stability within a reasonable and balanced range.

Thirdly, increasing resilience in the foreign exchange market will help adapt to and mitigate the effects of external changes. At the macro level, China’s market-oriented mechanism for the renminbi (RMB) exchange rate has been continuously improving, strengthening the currency’s role as an automatic stabilizer for international payments. On a micro level, companies are becoming more adept at using foreign exchange derivatives to manage exchange rate risks and are increasingly opting for cross-border RMB transactions to reduce currency mismatch risks. So far this year, the ratio of companies engaging in foreign exchange hedging has reached 27%, with 30% of cross-border transactions in goods using RMB, both figures being historically high. These positive developments at both macro and micro levels have mitigated the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on businesses, fostering more rational market expectations and transactions.

Regarding the influence of the RMB exchange rate on Chinese exporters, Li explained that both theory and practice indicate that various factors—including external demand, domestic manufacturing capabilities, and cost factors—collectively affect a nation’s exports, with exchange rates being just one of many influencing elements. In China’s case, the ongoing improvement in foreign trade this year is primarily attributed to domestically enhanced competitiveness and a relatively stable demand in global trade. Over a longer timeframe, these factors have similarly driven export growth.

Li further discussed this year’s exchange rate movements, stating that the onshore RMB to U.S. dollar spot rate (CNY) has depreciated slightly by about 0.3%, maintaining overall stability amidst two-way fluctuations. Even with a noticeable rebound in the RMB to U.S. dollar exchange rate during August and September, such movements were in line with a general weakening of the U.S. dollar and a common response among non-dollar currencies. The RMB’s appreciation has been moderate compared to international levels, resulting in a mild impact on trade.

Li concluded by stressing that the foreign exchange authority remains highly vigilant regarding changing circumstances. Given the persistent uncertainties in the external environment, the foreign exchange management department will continue to monitor and assess international economic and financial trends as well as the monetary policies of major developed economies. They are committed to accumulating and summarizing responsive experiences, enriching the toolbox of policy measures, and implementing counter-cyclical macroprudential adjustments when necessary to ensure the stable operation of the foreign exchange market.

The 31st China Guzhen International Lighting Expo officially kicked off on October 22nd at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province. The five-day event saw the signing of 41 projects, with fixed industrial investments nearing 3 billion yuan. This is expected to yield an annual output value of around 5 billion yuan and drive upstream and downstream industry value over 10 billion yuan.

The expo has attracted business representatives from over 160 countries and regions. On the first day, the venue was bustling with activity, as numerous exhibitors and buyers from around the globe visited, either individually or in groups, creating an exciting and dynamic atmosphere.

This year’s theme, “Guzhen Lighting Illuminates the World,” features one main venue and eight sub-venues, with participation from numerous local enterprises. The total exhibition area exceeds 1.5 million square meters. The main venue, located at the Guzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, exceeds a milestone of over 1,000 exhibitors, showcasing more than 100,000 products.

During the opening ceremony, He Ye, Vice President of the China Light Industry Federation and Chairman of the China Lighting Appliance Association, emphasized Guzhen’s status as a leading center for lighting manufacturing and trade. He noted that in this new era, Guzhen lighting should focus on technological innovation, stabilize traditional markets, explore emerging markets, cultivate key niches, and accelerate the digital, online, and intelligent transformation of the industry. The goal is to continuously meet users’ desire for an enhanced lighting environment with more competitive and high-quality “Guzhen lighting.”

Ruan Zhi Li, the Deputy Secretary of the Guzhen Town Party Committee and Mayor, explained that Guzhen aims to develop into a world-class hub for lighting and fixtures. The town is dedicated to high-quality construction of industrial, trade, design, information, and technology centers within the lighting sector. In May next year, Guzhen will also host the Zhongshan Guzhen Cultural and Tourism Light and Shadow Exhibition, along with the Outdoor and Engineering Lighting Exhibition and the 2025 E-commerce Resource Integration Conference.

On this day, the 41 signed projects included both industrial and modern service initiatives, covering areas such as new energy, smart lighting, advanced polymer materials, and AI integration, further reinforcing Guzhen’s advantages in the lighting industry.

The Republic of China flag has been flying in front of San Jose City Hall since October 25, marking a week-long celebration. This event participants gathered for the flag-raising ceremony, initiated by San Jose City Council member Peter Ortiz, who expressed gratitude to the Chinese American Traditional Foundation for their efforts in fundraising to restore the Chinese Cultural Park, which had been damaged by homeless individuals.

Peter Ortiz has covered the costs for the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the Chinese Cultural Park, established in 1971 and donated by the ROC government to the San Jose government. The park features traditional Chinese structures, all of which are made from materials sourced directly from Taiwan. However, during the pandemic, these buildings suffered damage. This year, the Chinese American Traditional Foundation launched a community fundraising initiative to repair the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and other structures within the park.

Ortiz noted the many influential political, business, and tech leaders from the Taiwanese community in San Jose’s history, thanking the foundation for facilitating the park’s restoration.

The restoration plan for the Chinese Cultural Park is being coordinated by the Chinese American Traditional Foundation and will unfold in two phases, with an initial fundraising goal of $3 million. The first phase of renovations is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2025, focusing on the most critical structure, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, with an expected completion date of June 30, 2026. The foundation will also continue to raise funds for the park’s ongoing maintenance.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed appreciation for the Taiwanese community in San Jose, noting the city shares a 40-year sister city relationship with Tainan, Taiwan. He emphasized the special connection between San Jose and Taiwan, particularly in terms of cultural and economic benefits, pointing out that several key technology companies, including NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC, have strong ties to Taiwan. The contributions of the Taiwanese community have played a significant role in shaping Silicon Valley as it is known today.

Lin Darui, president of the Chinese American Traditional Foundation, thanked Mayor Mahan, his team, and Peter Ortiz for their instrumental support. He stated that the construction of the Chinese Cultural Park has made it an exceptional venue for showcasing Chinese culture over the past 50 years. The upcoming restoration efforts aim to restore this historically significant site for future generations to appreciate and inherit Chinese cultural heritage.

The flag-raising ceremony featured performances by the Liang Guan Bai He Lion Dance Troupe, a color guard from the Air Force’s Da Peng Association, and a rendition of the national anthem led by the National Taiwan University Alumni Choir. Distinguished guests included Deputy Director of the Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Zhu Yongchang; Fremont City Council Member Shao Yang; Chairman of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Zhong Weijun; various community leaders and political representatives, such as KMT members Wang Wei and Yang Kunshan; San Jose-Tainan Sister City Association President Xue Meiying; Chinese American Association President Mao Xiaoling; Silicon Valley Chinese American Technology and Business Association board member Zheng Yingzhong, and several other community leaders and political representatives.

Mayor Mahan, along with Ortiz, presented a certificate of commendation to the Chinese American Traditional Foundation in recognition of their contributions.

As of October 25, 2023, over 1.972 million foreign nationals have entered Beijing, marking a remarkable increase of 144.1% compared to last year. Many have come to China for tourism or family visits. Additionally, nearly 595,000 foreigners have taken advantage of visa-free entry, and over 50,000 qualified foreign visitors have been granted a 144-hour transit visa exemption—these figures represent 8.4 times and 3.1 times increases from the same period last year, respectively.

On October 26, the Beijing Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station reported that the total number of people processed at the border this year has exceeded 15 million, reflecting a growth of approximately 104.9% year-over-year. Among them, about 3.813 million were foreign nationals, which is an increase of around 149.4%.

In October alone, the average number of daily arrivals and departures at Beijing’s ports has reached about 52,000. Notably, on October 20, the port witnessed a record single-day influx of foreign visitors, with 62,000 people traveling in and out, including 12,900 foreign nationals.

The Frontier Inspection Station has announced that following the implementation of a unilateral visa exemption for ordinary passport holders from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia on October 15, the scope of China’s visa-free access continues to expand, further optimizing travel convenience. The “China Travel” trend remains strong.

Looking ahead, on October 27, the Beijing port will welcome the winter-spring flight season, adding several new international routes, including those to Russia, Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore.

To ensure a smooth passage, the Beijing Frontier Inspection Station plans to increase the number of inspection channels and waiting areas in high-traffic locations. They will implement a “dual-channel inspection” model to enhance efficiency, along with special lanes for Chinese citizens, foreigners, and expedited processing. These measures aim to facilitate the movement of travelers entering and exiting the country.

**Editorial Commentary**

To better fulfill its role in providing a safety net and to meet the housing needs of more families, it’s crucial to consider public sentiment regarding the adjustment of housing provident fund loan interest rates.

Is it true that commercial mortgage rates are lower than those for provident fund loans?

Recent adjustments in the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) have led to a significant decline in commercial mortgage rates across the country. However, these rapid changes in market rates have brought unexpected challenges, particularly the emerging phenomenon where commercial loan rates are lower than those of housing provident fund loans.

According to reports from Southern Metropolis Daily, several banks in Guangzhou have received requests to ensure that commercial mortgage rates do not fall below those of provident fund loans. Some banking insiders have previously indicated that the rates for first-time homebuyers’ commercial loans have dipped below the provident fund rates, reaching as low as 2.7%. Following the People’s Bank of China’s announcement to lower the personal provident fund loan rate by 0.25 percentage points on May 18, 2024, the interest rate for first-time homebuyers has been adjusted to 2.85% for loans over five years.

In contrast, some regions have indeed seen commercial loan rates drop below provident fund rates, making it more economically viable for first-time buyers to opt for commercial loans over provident fund loans. To better serve its intended purpose as a safety net and to accommodate more families’ housing needs, it may be beneficial for housing provident fund loan rates to be adjusted in line with market trends.

Unlike commercial bank loan rates, which are closely tied to the highly market-driven LPR, provident fund loan rates remain linked to a benchmark rate. The last adjustment to the provident fund rate occurred in May of this year, aiming to reduce the burden on homebuyers and enhance the appeal of the provident fund loans. However, as LPR continues to decline, the provident fund loan rates have remained stagnant, leading to this growing inversion.

This inversion undoubtedly affects the attractiveness of the provident fund loans. If it persists, the liquidity of the provident fund could be jeopardized, posing risks to its sustainable development. The territorial management of these funds means that local provident fund management departments are confronting liquidity risks head-on, which may explain the underlying motivations for the “mandatory requirements” observed in some areas.

Examining the provident fund itself, it is designed as a safeguarding mechanism that aims to support low- to middle-income families in purchasing homes through low-interest loans. The current inversion clearly contradicts this intent, undermining market rate adjustments and restricting borrowers’ options while preventing the provident fund from performing its essential role.

Given these circumstances, it is necessary to accelerate adjustments to the provident fund loan rates. Market expectations had anticipated adjustments to the benchmark rates before the occurrence of the rate inversion. However, since changes to provident fund loan rates involve multiple layers of governance, the independence of local provident fund management centers and their region-specific management complicate the process, making unified adjustments less frequent and more challenging.

In the medium to long term, aligning provident fund rates with market movements is an inevitable trend. With a suite of policy measures being introduced to stabilize growth, the decline in LPR aligns with broader macroeconomic strategies. Consequently, a reduction in provident fund loan rates is a logical outcome.

While the provident fund was established with social security in mind, it can still benefit from flexible adjustment mechanisms, streamlined approval processes, enhanced cross-departmental collaboration, increased transparency, and strengthened oversight and evaluation to better utilize the housing provident fund system, promoting stable and healthy development in the real estate market.

Housing prices have long been a significant concern for the public, especially in major cities where high costs have made homeownership unaffordable for many low- to middle-income families. The housing provident fund system provides these families with a relatively low-cost financing option, easing their purchasing pressure and increasing their consumption potential.

With rational policy adjustments, we believe the housing provident fund system can better fulfill its protective role, stimulate healthy real estate market development, and benefit a broader population. As China’s financial system reform progresses, the housing provident fund loan rate mechanism will become increasingly refined, providing robust support for achieving the societal goal of “adequate housing for all.”

On October 24, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This marks Guterres’ first trip to Russia in over two years. The Kremlin announced that the discussions will focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United Nations has yet to officially confirm this meeting, and Ukraine has strongly criticized Guterres’ decision to engage with Putin.

According to reports from The Guardian and AFP, the meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, a central city in Russia. Moscow aims to leverage this summit to demonstrate that the West’s attempts to isolate Russia due to the war in Ukraine have failed.

The Kremlin stated, “In addition to UN activities, they are expected to discuss pressing international agenda items, including the Middle East crisis and the situation in Ukraine.”

When asked during a press briefing in New York whether Guterres would be traveling to Kazan later this week, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq mentioned, “Details regarding his future travel will be announced later.”

Guterres has previously criticized Moscow for its military aggression towards Ukraine, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” for the world. However, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has expressed that meeting with Putin at this time “will not advance the cause of peace” and “diminishes the reputation of the United Nations.”

In a statement on social media platform X, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry remarked, “The UN Secretary-General turned down our invitation to participate in the inaugural Global Peace Summit held in Switzerland. Yet, he accepted an invitation from war criminal Putin to visit Kazan.”

In a recent interview, a spokesperson from the Lebanese health ministry shared alarming details about an Israeli airstrike that occurred near Rafik Hariri University Hospital in southern Beirut. “At least 13 people, including a child, have lost their lives, and 57 others were injured—seven of them critically. The airstrike destroyed three buildings located just 50 meters from the hospital,” the spokesperson reported.

The attack on Monday night is part of a troubling trend, with the health ministry noting that it was one of at least 13 reported strikes across the capital. “This strike has caused significant damage to the hospital,” they added.

In response, the Israeli military stated it targeted a Hezbollah position near the hospital and insisted that the hospital’s operations were unaffected. However, they did issue a warning approximately 15 minutes before the strikes, though notably, the area around the hospital was not among those specified.

A BBC producer, who was close to the scene, described the chaos: “A loud bang sent people running for cover. Paramedics and firefighters quickly rushed to assist locals who were in distress.”

On Tuesday morning, rescuers were seen sifting through the debris, using shovels and their bare hands to search for survivors. “We have no idea how many people might still be trapped under all this rubble,” one rescuer stated. As they worked, the tension escalated, with one BBC team witnessing the recovery of a body and the location of another.

Residents in the area noted the airstrike coincided with the arrival of a car, but many were unable to identify its occupants. Videos captured during the strikes show frightened locals fleeing on foot and in vehicles as the aerial bombardments unfolded.

One targeted site was just 400 meters from Beirut’s only functioning commercial airport, where local media reported windows blown out by the shockwaves. The Israeli military asserted that its forces were dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, claiming responsibility for striking weapons storage facilities and command centers. “Some targets were underground, containing equipment for terror operations,” they stated without revealing specifics about their locations.

The military also claimed to have found a Hezbollah bunker beneath Sahel hospital in Haret Hreik, later evacuated for safety. However, doctors at the hospital refuted these claims, taking reporters on a tour to demonstrate that no such facility existed beneath their building. “We’re dedicated to helping people. This hospital is private and has no ties to militancy,” said Dr. Walid Alameh, the medical director.

As the situation continues to evolve, there are concerns that Israel’s military focus may be shifting beyond immediate threats to Hezbollah’s infrastructure. This past Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made it clear they would also target Hezbollah’s financial networks. Israeli airstrikes hit branches associated with Hezbollah in southern Beirut and neighboring regions, with claims that these entities are utilized for Iran-backed military funding.

While addressing the ongoing conflict, U.S. special envoy Amos Hochstein has emphasized the need for a negotiated resolution, expressing concern that Lebanon’s future should not be tied to regional conflicts. He urged that a “comprehensive agreement” should align with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to establish southern Lebanon free of armed personnel save for those belonging to the state and a UN peacekeeping force.

Despite these discussions, Hezbollah carried out additional rocket fire into northern Israel, reporting that by late Monday, 170 projectiles had crossed the border. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 2,400 fatalities in Lebanon, with 1,800 occurring in the past five weeks, according to health ministry reports. Israeli officials have confirmed 59 deaths in northern Israel and the Golan Heights since the conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023.

In an exclusive interview, we discussed the recent revelations surrounding Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released footage from his underground hideout in Khan Younis, Gaza. Following Sinwar’s death, the footage has garnered considerable attention for showcasing an alarming contrast between his lavish lifestyle and the dire circumstances of those in the region.

At 61 years old, Sinwar reportedly lived in a space that was not only well-lit and comfortable but also equipped with modern amenities—including a fully functional kitchen and a private, updated bathroom. It’s worth noting that the hideout was filled with United Nations food supplies along with a safe containing millions in cash.

The New York Post highlighted the disparity between Sinwar’s wealth and the suffering of his people. As one Israeli soldier demonstrated in the footage, bags of UNRWA food aid, clearly labeled, were found stacked in the hideout. This raises serious questions about the alleged diversion of humanitarian aid, as Hamas has been repeatedly accused of misappropriating UN supplies intended for nearly two million refugees in Gaza.

In addition to the food stores, soldiers uncovered several bathrooms and showers that were noticeably cleaner and more modern than those in other Hamas tunnels. Moving deeper into the hideout revealed the living quarters of Sinwar’s bodyguards, with lockers stashed with weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Moreover, the hideout contained a small room dedicated to Sinwar himself, featuring a large safe filled with “millions” of Israeli shekels. The room also housed a range of personal items, including perfumes and hygiene products, painting a stark picture of Sinwar’s lifestyle amidst the ongoing conflict.

IDF officials stated that Sinwar spent significant time issuing orders from this location during the early stages of the recent war. Following an encirclement of his residence last December, he reportedly fled to Rafah, where he was killed during a routine Israeli reconnaissance operation on October 16. The findings in Sinwar’s hideout illustrate the unsettling contrast between his opulent existence and the humanitarian crisis faced by many in Gaza.

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall, today marks the final solar term of autumn—Frost’s Descent, occurring on October 23rd. This signals not just the arrival of late autumn but the imminent approach of winter. During this period, cold air becomes more frequent, resulting in significant temperature fluctuations as we enter the time of year with the largest day-night temperature differences. To adapt to the changing seasons, people often engage in traditional customs such as eating persimmons, pulling up radishes, hiking, enjoying chrysanthemums, and replenishing their health.

Can you describe how people celebrate Frost’s Descent?

Frost’s Descent is rich with traditions. One standout custom is eating persimmons, which are now at their best—large, thin-skinned, and sweet. Enjoying persimmons during this time not only aligns with seasonal eating but also carries the beautiful sentiment of “good persimmons heralding frost.”

What other customs are important during this time?

Climbing mountains and appreciating chrysanthemums are also significant during Frost’s Descent. The air in the forests is fresh, and there’s less dust and pollution, making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the vibrant colors of trees like maples and yellow-leafed varieties. Additionally, chrysanthemums bloom abundantly, seen as symbols of longevity in Chinese culture, leading many regions to host chrysanthemum fairs where people drink and socialize in appreciation of these resilient flowers.

How do seasonal changes influence our diets during Frost’s Descent?

As the weather turns colder, many regions observe the custom of “adding autumn fat,” indulging in a variety of nutritious foods. In northern China, people tend to favor beef and lamb due to their high protein and low fat content, considered ideal for this time of year. Conversely, in southern areas, especially around Fujian, duck is a popular dish for nourishment. There are also unique traditions, such as eating “frosted rabbit” in places like Beijing and Zigong.

Are there other regional practices we should know about?

In areas like Shandong and Shanxi, pulling up radishes is a crucial tradition during Frost’s Descent. The widening temperature gap after frost can lead to damage if radishes are not harvested in time, as they may freeze and diminish in quality.

What can we expect weather-wise during this period?

Frost’s Descent typically brings an increase in cold air fronts across China, transitioning many areas from cool to distinctly cold weather, with larger day-night temperature differences. In regions like Inner Mongolia and northeast China, winter often arrives with this solar term, while southern areas may experience milder autumn conditions.

How does this affect daily life?

The national weather map highlights that during Frost’s Descent, northern regions can expect early frosts, with the frost line reaching south to areas like the Yellow Huai River. Farmers need to stay vigilant for frost warnings, taking steps to protect their crops. Meanwhile, regions like Sichuan and Chongqing experience notable temperature swings, prompting locals to adopt layered clothing strategies to adapt to the shifting weather.

What advice do you have for people in the south experiencing fluctuating temperatures?

In southern regions like Jiangnan and South China, temperature drops can be sudden. It’s advisable not to rush into heavy winter clothing right away but to gradually acclimate—what we call “autumn frost.” Staying hydrated and consuming moisture-rich foods such as pears, pomelos, and lotus roots can help combat the drying weather as well.

As we embrace the arrival of Frost’s Descent, nature is preparing for a transition—trees are turning yellow, and leaves are falling, creating a breathtaking autumn scenery. Let’s make the most of this picturesque season before winter arrives.

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano reports that the Hisbah Board, which serves as the Shariah Police in Kano State, has issued a wanted notice for Auwalu Sankara, the suspended commissioner for special duties in Jigawa State, over allegations of adultery. This announcement was made yesterday after Sankara failed to attend a reconciliation meeting regarding multiple allegations brought against him.

Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the Commandant General of the Hisbah Board, explained to reporters that they had invited both Sankara and his family members to resolve the issue amicably outside of court, but he did not respond to the invitation. Daurawa went on to say that the Board has now escalated the matter to a Shariah court.

The Hisbah Board confirmed that Sankara was tracked and arrested while with a married woman, based on intelligence gathered following complaints filed by her husband’s younger brother. The complaint was formally lodged by Nasiru Bulama, who accused Sankara of having an affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu, who is also the mother of his two children.

“Nasiru Bulama approached the Kano State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Hisbah Board with allegations against Sankara concerning illicit sexual activities with his wife,” the official stated.