I think before 2012/2013 (especially before the attack on Serenity Valley) most countries didn't even took the actions in orbit serious...
Some small scale conflict between a bunch of criminal nuts and a bunch of not-so-criminal nuts, nothing special.
Afterwards they suddenly discovered that there was not only a group "in orbit" that could work together, the Fen also proved that they had the necessary force to defend themselves. Suddenly moving out and "bringing democracy to the Fen" (spelled: bring them under your heel) became more complicated and risky.
Sure you can build up your own asteroid settlement, but be prepared to work together with Space Patrol (the cops) and Grreat Justice (the military)... I don't think Space Patrol would stop from looking into a crime just because you say "we are a US/Chinese/whatever colony, we are not your jurisdiction" that easily.
Some small scale conflict between a bunch of criminal nuts and a bunch of not-so-criminal nuts, nothing special.
Afterwards they suddenly discovered that there was not only a group "in orbit" that could work together, the Fen also proved that they had the necessary force to defend themselves. Suddenly moving out and "bringing democracy to the Fen" (spelled: bring them under your heel) became more complicated and risky.
Sure you can build up your own asteroid settlement, but be prepared to work together with Space Patrol (the cops) and Grreat Justice (the military)... I don't think Space Patrol would stop from looking into a crime just because you say "we are a US/Chinese/whatever colony, we are not your jurisdiction" that easily.