After Hong Kong’s weightlifting and powerlifting association made an apology after its chairwoman called Hong Kong a “small country” during an open event on Sunday, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, told the Global Times on Monday that after consulting with the association, the federation initially believes the incident was only a “slip of the tongue,” emphasizing that it once again reminds all member sports associations to be clear and unequivocal in their discussions about national sovereignty.