On August 29, 2023, President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from John Easterbrook, a grandson of U.S. General Joseph Stilwell.

Xi Jinping thanked Easterbrook for sharing in his letter the stories of friendly exchanges  General Joseph Stilwell and the Stilwell family have had with China over several generations. Xi Jinping said from the Stilwell family, he felt the friendship of the American people toward the Chinese people, noting that General Stilwell was an old friend of the Chinese people, and the Chinese people will never forget the active support General Joseph Stilwell rendered to China's endeavors for national liberation and progress, and the positive contributions he made to the friendship between the people of China and the United States. Xi Jinping also mentioned the commemorative event Chongqing Municipality recently held to mark the 140th birth anniversary of General Stilwell, at which Easterbrook delivered a video speech, and his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren attended in person. Xi said he was glad to see that General Stilwell's dedication to China-U.S. friendship has been passed down to the fifth generation of his family.

Xi Jinping stressed that looking back, China and the United States fought side by side against Japanese fascists for world peace. Looking ahead, the two countries can help each other succeed and achieve prosperity together. The people form the foundation of the China-U.S. relationship, and people-to-people friendship is the source of its growth. The two peoples should strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding, and expand cooperation to inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations. Xi Jinping expressed the hope and belief that Easterbrook and other members of the Stilwell family will continue to contribute to the friendship between the Chinese and American people, and welcomed them to China for more visits.

Recently, John Easterbrook wrote a letter to President Xi Jinping, recalling Stilwell's interactions with China and the Chinese people. He also explained the efforts made by the Stilwell family and his descendants to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, paid tribute to President Xi Jinping's long-term support for the people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the U.S. and China, and expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and people for not forgetting the old friend. He said the Stilwell family’s wish and determination to enhance the people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.