Chinese ice dancers probed for carrying toy missile during competition

The International Skating Union is looking into an incident involving two Chinese ice dancers who appeared with what seemed to be a toy missile during a grand prix figure skating competition.

Cameras captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy resembling a missile marked "DF-61" while awaiting their scores at the Cup of China on Saturday. Ren, Xing, and a coach briefly held it up before placing it on Xing’s lap.

The DF-61 is a Chinese-developed land-based intercontinental ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which was recently displayed at a military parade.

"The ISU is aware that an unapproved soft toy, apparently thrown by spectators, was present following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China on October 25," the ISU said in a statement to the Associated Press.

"The toy was later held by the skaters involved. The ISU regrets the occurrence and will conduct a full review."

Ren and Xing finished eighth out of 10 pairs in the ice dance competition, with Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the United States taking first place.