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How Weak Flag Oversight Is Undermining the Legitimacy of Pacific Island States
['Allen Zhang', 'Research Assistant', 'Asian Studies Center', 'Allen Zhang Is A Research Assistant In The Heritage Foundation S Asian Studies Center.']
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Several Pacific Island nations have acquired particular reputations for lax oversight of their flag registries.
Over time, such practices are financially unsustainable and will cause irreparable reputational damage to Pacific Island nations.
First, Pacific Island nations should institute rigorous due diligence measures to verify beneficial vessel ownership.
Lastly, Pacific Island flag states should engage in regional and international information-sharing arrangements.
For neighboring Pacific Island nations, that is the model they should follow: effective regulation is what makes a registry sustainable and profitable.