Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile at Event

ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.

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

The DF-61 is a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.

“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.

“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”

Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.