Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile At Event

The International Skating Union is investigating aft 2 Chinese crystal dancers were shown pinch what appeared to beryllium a artifact ballistic rocket during a expansive prix fig skating event.

TV footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting pinch a ample artifact successful nan style of a rocket labelled “DF-61” arsenic they were waiting for their scores successful nan “kiss and cry” area astatine nan Cup of China connected Saturday. The artifact was concisely held up by Ren, Xing and a coach, past placed crossed Xing’s lap.

The DF-61 is simply a caller Chinese-made, land-based intercontinental ballistic rocket tin of carrying atomic weapons which was unveiled astatine a subject parade past month.

“The ISU is alert that an inappropriate soft artifact seems to person been among those thrown connected to nan crystal by spectators pursuing a capacity astatine nan ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China arena connected 25 October,” nan ISU told nan Associated Press successful an emailed connection connected Sunday.

“The soft artifact was subsequently held by nan skaters who had conscionable performed. The ISU regrets nan incident and will analyse further.”

Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs successful nan crystal creation event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of nan United States.