Nicknamed "carrier nanny", CNS Hulun Lake, the Navy's largest supply vessel and its first Type 901 fast combat support ship, has started resupply operations for the Liaoning group. It is expected to enable the Liaoning and subsequent groups to sail longer distances or stay at sea longer.

Military observers said the Type 901 vessel displaces more than 45,000 tons, making it almost twice as heavy as the Type 903 series, currently the pillar of the Navy's supply force.

Another key element in the carrier battle group, the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer, is now entering service.

The first in the Type 055 class, CNS Nanchang debuted at Tuesday's joint naval parade, becoming the Navy's largest and mightiest combat vessel.

The destroyer carries more than 100 vertical-launch cells capable of firing air-defense, missile-intercepting, anti-ship and antisubmarine missiles.

Chinese naval experts said that compared with the Navy's other destroyers, the Type 055 class features stronger firepower and defensive capabilities, stealth design and improved electronic warfare capabilities.