Skating union investigating Chinese figure skaters after they are seen with missile plushie at event

Two Chinese figure skaters are being investigated by the International Skating Union (ISU) after they were seen with what appeared to be a toy ballistic missile during a Grand Prix event in China.

Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing were seen on camera holding a large plushie labelled DF-61 while awaiting their scores at the Cup of China on Oct 25.

DF-61 is an intercontinental ballistic missile developed by China and publicly unveiled at the 2025 China Victory Day Parade in September. It is a three-stage, solid-fuel rocket with an estimated operational range of 12,000km to 15,000km, and is designed to be deployed from silos or road-mobile launchers.

Ren and Xing were in a zone where skaters and coaches gather to receive their marks after a performance when the incident occurred.

Television footage showed the toy being lifted briefly by Ren, Xing and a coach, before it was placed across Xing’s lap.

The plushie’s design, resembling a missile, quickly drew attention online, prompting questions about its appropriateness at a sporting event that was broadcast internationally.

In a statement to The Associated Press on Oct 26, the ISU confirmed that it was looking into the incident.

“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those thrown onto the ice by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event on Oct 25,” the union said.

“The soft toy was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will investigate further.”

Ren and Xing finished eighth out of 10 pairs in the ice dance event at the Cup of China, one of six legs in the ISU Grand Prix series. The competition is a lead-up to December’s Grand Prix Final.