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ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at an international skating competition.

Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.

“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.

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

Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair from the US.