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ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.

Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

This model represents a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony last month.

Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown on to the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.

The item was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”

Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.