In 2003, he became the vice political commissar in the PLA's General Logistics Department, and was ranked lieutenant general.

Liu Yuan [File photo]

He was appointed political commissar of the Academy of Military Sciences in 2005 and promoted to general in 2009.

Liu's father suffered persecution during the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976).

At 23, Liu Shaoqi was one of the earliest members of the Communist Party of China.

When the country was founded in 1949, he was elected vice president of the central government and became the president in 1959.

During his tenure from 1959 to 1968, he embarked on economic development that bolstered the national populace.

However, he was denounced as a traitor and a capitalism advocate during the "cultural revolution."

He died in prison in 1969, but in 1980 his reputation was restored with a state funeral.