Based on my fact-checking, here is my analysis of the claim:

Analysis:

• President Trump did express enthusiasm about meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but the specific phrasing "looks very much forward to the discussion" does not appear to be an exact quote¹²³.
• On May 12, 2026, ahead of his trip to China, Trump posted on Truth Social: "I am very much looking forward to my trip to China, an amazing Country, with a Leader, President Xi, respected by all. Great things will happen for both Countries!"⁴².
• On May 14, 2026, during his opening remarks in Beijing, Trump said he looks forward to a "big discussion" with Xi Jinping¹.
• Earlier in May, Trump stated "I look forward to that" when referring to his upcoming meeting with Xi³.
• The claim appears to be a slight paraphrase or conflation of Trump's actual statements, mixing "very much looking forward" with "discussion," but the overall sentiment—that Trump expressed positive anticipation about engaging with Xi—is accurate.
• The exact grammatical construction "looks very much forward to the discussion" does not match the precise wording found in news reports and transcripts.

Overall validity: 85%

1. Trump says looking forward to 'big discussion' with Xi - Social News XYZ
2. "Very much looking forward, great thing will happen for both countries": Trump ahead of China visit - The Tribune
3. Trump Says He Looks Forward to Xi Summit as US-China Tensions Persist - Bloomberg
4. "Very much looking forward, great thing will happen for both countries": Trump ahead of China visit