🔗 Share this article Chinese Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon during Competition The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event. Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday. The DF-61 represents a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently. “The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement. “The soft toy was then held by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for the incident and will look into it more deeply.” The duo finished in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.