Susan Jakes wrote this article about Jiang Yanyong on Time Magazine/Asia.
Who is behind Dr. Jiang’s detention? Susan gave her analysis in the article: “One reason for Jiang’s rough treatment may be that he has crossed Jiang Zemin, China’s former President and current Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission. The doctor’s SARS disclosures prompted the ouster of two of Jiang Zemin’s protégés—former Health Minister Zhang Wenkang and ex-Beijing Mayor Meng Xuenong. The Tiananmen letter might also be perceived as a personal affront, given that Jiang Zemin came to power in 1989 in part because of his support for the crackdown. A government admission of wrongdoing, as the doctor urges, would be a blow to the ex-President’s campaign to secure his legacy as a great leader. Indeed, because of the doctor’s high rank in the P.L.A., Jiang Zemin, in his capacity as military chief, is the only person empowered by the army’s disciplinary code to authorize the detention. ”
