Why is Mao Tse-Tung's name now spelled "Mao Zedong?"

Question

Is the change of spelling meant to blunt the animosity most western countries had against the former Chinese leader? Does the change of name and the passing of times make Mao a more acceptable dictator?

Or is the change of spelling of his name not politically motivated, but merely a dialect difference?

Answer 1

And what the h**l happened to make Peking now Bejing?

Oh those wacky Chinese.

Answer 2

'If you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao, you ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow' - John Lennon.

Answer 3

The problem comes from the various systems used to translate Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet, there isn't any consistency. Still trying to figure out how they get the sound 'ching' out of qin.    

Answer 4

I think it is an effort to more accurately translate the pronunciation of his name into English. Just as Peking is now Beijing.

Answer 5

What happened to Kaing Chai Sek the person Mao Tse Tung fought has history written him out. Yahoo does not seem to recognize the name.