Liu was born in Daye County (now Daye), Hubei, in January 1963. After resuming the college entrance examination, in 1978, he was admitted to Harbin Institute of Marine Engineering (now Harbin Engineering University), majoring in missile general design. After university in 1982, he was assigned as a technician to the Base Design Institute of the Ministry of Space. In 1984, he became a graduate student in Central China University of Science and Engineering (now Huazhong University of Science and Technology). After graduating in 1987, he was recalled to the original department as an engineer.
PB Former member of the Politburo; PLA Also a military official; CDI Member of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection or affiliates 1For details on the civil service ranks of officials, please see Civil Service of the People's Republic of China; 2Army generals listed have attained at least the rank of Major General, which usually enjoys the same administrative privileges as a civilian official of sub-provincial rank.