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

Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.

This model is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade recently.

“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.

“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”

Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.