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ISU officials are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a replica weapon at an international skating competition.

Television video showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.

This model is a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.

Officials is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by spectators following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.

“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”

The duo finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.