06 Dec 2025
China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Holding Prop Weapon during Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy in the form of a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then held by the skaters after their performance. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.
