> Haven't these pro-Beijing students ever tried to access uncensored information online that was denied to them until they arrived in their host countries

Most (flat earthers/birthers/anti-vaxxers/people who believe all sorts of nonsense) have had access to uncensored information online for years.

They continue to believe the various crazy things that they believe.

Why do you think political opinions should be any different?

Shit, there's no shortage of people who, despite being willing to acquiesce to the factual truth of a statement, will actively choose to disregard it. They'll do it because the statement is incompatible with their political affiliation, because the statement was uttered by a foreigner who should be minding their own business, because the person who uttered it has the 'wrong' political affiliation or religion or class or skin color or background or profession.

This sort of tribalism is incredibly normal, and you don't need to travel abroad to find it.

I'm deeply concerned by the lack of introspection of anyone painting this as a problem unique to citizens of mainland China.