China's Ice Dancers Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile at Event

ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.

Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.

The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.

“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.

The item was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”

The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.