ISU Investigates Chinese Ice-Dancing Pair Over Missile Toy Incident

The International Skating Union (ISU) has launched an investigation after Chinese ice-dancing pair were filmed with a toy resembling a ballistic rocket during a Grand Prix event, according to the Associated Press.

The incident occurred at the Cup of China on October 25, where TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large soft toy shaped like a Chinese missile labeled ‘DF-61’ as they waited for their scores in the ‘kiss and cry’ area. The pair reportedly briefly held up the plush together with their coach before placing it across Xing’s lap.

The DF-61 is a newly unveiled Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, with an estimated operational range of 12,000 to 15,000km. The weapon was first showcased during China’s military parade last month marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, where Beijing presented cutting-edge innovations from its military-industrial complex.

The skating body told the AP it is aware that “an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown onto the ice by spectators” and was “subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed.” The ISU said it “will investigate [the incident] further.”

Ren and Xing finished eighth, while the ice dance title went to Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates.

Missile-shaped plush toys, including ones modeled on the DF-61, have grown popular online following the parade, with cushions and soft replicas of the missile sold on marketplaces including eBay for about $30.