China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Prop Weapon during Event

The International Skating Union have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.

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

This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.

Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.

“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”

Ren and Xing placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair from the US.