Addressing students in Beijing, US First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly said that freedom of speech and religion and access to information should be universal rights.
During a trip to encourage student exchange programs, Obama spoke to students at Peking University in Beijing stressing that free flow of information was crucial and it helped make countries stronger.
According to News 24, Obama promoted freedom of speech saying that this was how truth was discovered and this was how one learned about what was really happening in communities, in the county and world.
She told students that countries became stronger when the voices and opinions of all their citizens could be heard.
China reportedly has stringent laws against free speech and has even blocked many foreign social media sites and news sites.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app