He was Chinese Consul General in Chicago from 2016 to 2018 and served as spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2016.

A native of Fuyang, Zhejiang, Hong Lei graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University in 1991.

After college, he was appointed as an official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and over a period of 20 years worked his way up to the position of spokesperson.

[5] In January 2016, Hong urged the Philippines to increase their "education and indoctrination" of Filipino fisherman regarding the South China Sea.

He stated that three Filipino fishing boats have illegally entered the Scarborough Shoal and did not abide by China's management.