On July 1, 2024, President Xi Jinping sent a message to the "Shared Journey of Friendship" U.S. Youth Exchange Delegation.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in the two societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels. He expressed the hope that through this visit, the delegation will perceive, experience, and have a better understanding of China, communicate and interact with the young people of China to become good partners and good friends, help build more bridges of mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and contribute to enhancing the friendship between the people of the two countries.

The "Shared Journey of Friendship" U.S. Youth Exchange Delegation consists of around 190 teachers and students from 14 middle schools in seven states across the United States. The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries invited the delegation and is responsible for the reception.