This 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 Beijing¹².
• Multiple reputable news outlets reported Trump's exact words: "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before"³²⁴.
• The Guardian confirmed that in reply to Xi's opening remarks, Trump told him the relationship was "going to be better than ever"⁵.
• The Hindu also quoted Trump saying, "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"⁴.
• El País English published the quote verbatim in a headline and article about the summit¹.

Overall validity: 100%

1. Donald Trump to Xi Jinping: ‘The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before’ | International | EL PAÍS English
2. US-China relationship will be 'better than ever', Trump says in ...
3. US-China relationship will be 'better than ever': Trump tells Xi Jinping | World News - Business Standard
4. China, U.S. should be ‘partners not rivals’, says Xi Jinping after meeting Donald Trump - The Hindu
5. 'US and China should be partners, not rivals', Xi says after earlier ...