[7][8] On 15 January 2025, Mao was named director-general of the Department of Press, Communication, and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, succeeded Hua Chunying.

[9] In January 2023, after some countries imposed restrictions targeting travelers arriving from China, including testing upon entry and quarantine for those who test positive for COVID-19, Mao noted that some entry restrictions targeted only those from China claiming that it "lacks scientific basis and some practices are unacceptable".

[10][11][12] In January 2024, after Philippine President Bongbong Marcos congratulated Taiwanese presidential candidate Lai Ching-te on his victory at the 2024 Taiwan presidential election, Mao said at a press briefing that Marcos' comments represent "a serious violation of the One China principle" and "a gross interference in China's internal affairs."

She also stated that "President Marcos read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions."

In response to Mao's comments, secretary of national defense of the Philippines Gilberto Teodoro said that Mao "stooped to such low and gutter level talk—resorting to insulting our President and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the Ministry, and Party she represents in the process.