Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Stick

To many in Taiwan, Lee Teng-Hui is a hero, a role he is quite comfortable with. Lee once described himself as a Moses leading Taiwan to the promised land. Last week, the former President adopted another role model: Heihachi Edajima, a character in a popular Japanese comic series. Edajima, a bull-headed kendo master, teaches troubled youths to be warriors. Lee, 81, appeared in photos dressed as the martial artistcomplete with snarling sidekicks.

The costume session was a promotion for the website of an institute Lee opened in 2003, which holds classes on Taiwan's national identity. (Lee infuriated Beijing...