Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Displaying Prop Weapon at Event

The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.

Broadcast footage captured the skaters waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

The DF-61 represents a new China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.

“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.

The item was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”

The duo placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.