As a result of the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95, China lost to Japan the important islands of Taiwan (Formosa) and the Pescadores, lying about a hundred miles off the Chinese coast.

drawn up in battle array

Mary Jane had been the object of Peter's affection for years.

Any defense posture that he may have that would be common for any ballistic missile would not suffice for a low-altitude omnidirectional high-speed nuclear ramjet missile.