🔗 Share this article

The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.

Broadcast footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

This model is a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.

Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators following a performance 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. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”

Ren and Xing finished in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.