A video of the competition released by the ISU shows Ren Rongfei and Xing Jianging sitting with a large rocket-shaped toy labeled DF-61 after their performance, awaiting evaluation. The toy was held for a long time by the skaters and their coach, and then placed on Xing’s lap.
The DF-61 is China's new ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons. It was demonstrated at a military parade in China on September 3.
The ISU said in a statement sent to the AP that the organization regrets the incident and will continue to investigate.
In the competition, the Chinese pair took eighth place among 10 pairs, and the Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates won.
