According to his official biography, Li joined the People's Liberation Army in 1969, joined the Communist Party of China in March 1971, and has a post-graduate degree.
Menurut biografi resminya, Li bergabung dengan Tentara Pembebasan Rakyat pada 1969, bergabung dengan Partai Komunis Tiongkok pada Maret 1971, dan memiliki gelar pasca kelulusan.