Xi Jinping Laughs as Trump Shows Mock 'Autopen' Portrait of Biden

During a high-stakes visit to Washington D.C., Chinese President Xi Jinping shared a moment of laughter with former U.S. President Donald Trump when Trump presented a mocking portrait of President Joe Biden that depicted him using an "autopen." The incident occurred as Trump gave Xi a tour of the Presidential Walk of Fame, a gallery typically featuring portraits of U.S. presidents.

Instead of a portrait of Biden, Trump displayed an image of an autopen, a device used to replicate signatures. Trump explained to Xi, "And this is the autopen... it's Biden," prompting a hearty laugh from the Chinese president. An aide appeared to translate Trump's comment for Xi.

The autopen has been a point of contention, particularly regarding its use by President Biden to sign legislation. Trump and his supporters have claimed, without evidence, that Biden's use of the autopen invalidated his actions or suggested a lack of awareness. The autopen is a tool used by presidents of both parties for signing documents, especially for high-volume or ceremonial purposes.

Before leaving office in January 2025, Biden used the autopen to issue pardons and commute sentences. Trump, in response, declared in December 2025 that any documents signed by Biden using the autopen were "null, void, and of no further force or effect," posting his statement on Truth Social.

Xi's visit, which included discussions on critical bilateral issues, has so far yielded limited concrete agreements beyond a pledge to invite 100,000 young Americans to China and the lending of two pandas to an Atlanta zoo. President Xi reiterated his call to avoid the "Thucydides Trap," a theory suggesting conflict between rising and established powers, but progress on contentious topics like Taiwan and artificial intelligence remained elusive.

Disagreements were apparent regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence, with Trump referring to it as "super intelligence." While Trump has expressed skepticism about calls for regulation, Xi advocated for AI to remain "under human control." Experts suggest that deep suspicions and competition make breakthroughs on governing AI unlikely.

One notable outcome was the two-month extension of the trade truce between the U.S. and China, originally set to expire in November. This truce, which reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and lifted Beijing's export controls on rare earths, has provided a period of calm in the ongoing trade dispute.

While Trump aims to stabilize relations and reduce U.S. vulnerabilities to Beijing, no significant commitments for increased Chinese purchases of U.S. goods, such as Boeing planes or agricultural products, have been announced. China has also rebuffed Trump's requests for assistance in resolving the U.S. conflict with Iran.

During the talks, Xi urged the U.S. to end the war in the Middle East and reach a negotiated settlement with Tehran. He also repeated a warning to Trump regarding Taiwan, advising prudence and urging the U.S. to explicitly oppose Taiwan's independence. The U.S. has an ongoing arms package for Taiwan, valued at $14 billion, which is currently under review. Trump had previously suggested these sales could be used as a bargaining chip with China, raising concerns about Taiwan's security.