Liu was born in Xiangyin, Hunan Province, in October 1948. He began his career in the People's Liberation Army Navy, serving on surface vessels and holding posts at the squadron, water police district, naval base, and fleet headquarters levels. After his naval service, he was transferred to the Academy of Military Sciences, where he successively served as secretary of the General Office, deputy director and director of the Organization and Planning Division, deputy head of the Scientific Research Guidance Department, director of the Military Encyclopedia Research Department, director of the Force Development Research Department, and later head of the Scientific Research Guidance Department.[2]
From 2007 to December 2011, Liu served as vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences.[3] In July 2008, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general. In addition to his military research responsibilities, Liu has served as a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and as a vice president of the China Law Society.[4]