The claim is true.

• President Trump made this statement during his bilateral summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on May 14, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing¹.
• Multiple reputable news outlets reported Trump's exact words, including: "It's an honour to be with you. It's an honour to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before"¹.
• The Guardian and The Hindu both confirmed this quote from Trump's opening remarks during the meeting¹.
• Additionally, reports described Trump as praising Xi Jinping as "a great leader" and emphasizing their "fantastic relationship" during the same summit².

Overall validity: 100%

1. President Trump said the relationship between China and the United States is going to be better than ever before
2. President Trump stared down Xi Jinping