early life and education hong lei (diplomat) is a chinese diplomat and politician, born in fuyang, zhejiang in 1969. he graduated from beijing language and culture university in 1991 and began his career in the ministry of foreign affairs. career as diplomat he served as chinese consul general in chicago from 2016 to 2018 and as spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs from 2010 to 2016. he is currently serving as head of the d…