He has previously served as Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations in New York City.

Zhang Yesui was born in October 1953 in Hubei Province and is a native of that region.

After completing his education, he entered diplomatic service and was posted to the Chinese Embassy to the United Kingdom in London.

In 2008, he was appointed China's Ambassador to the United Nations replacing Wang Guangya.

Zhang is an alternate member of the 18th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.