Though related by marriage to the Qing dynasty, he accepted the creation of the Republic and served in its foreign ministry, having previously been the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Qing Dynasty as a member of Yuan Shikai's Cabinet.

After Duan Qirui was ousted from Beijing in 1926, Hu served briefly as acting president and premier.

He was a prominent politician and diplomat in the late Qing Dynasty as well as the early Republic of China.

His proficiency in English, French and Russian allowed him to pursue the study of these countries, which made him a specialist in these nations.

Although he did not receive praise for his work to bring democracy in China, he played a vital role in persuading the late Qing Government to relinquish power in favor of the new Republic.