The Government of Maldives has said it will pursue aggressive regulatory action against those who tarnish the good standing and reputation of the nation. Maldivian Government, in no uncertain terms, refuted the assumption that a vessel named Xin Yuan 18 is of Maldivian origin as no such vessel is registered in the country.
Furthermore, the Government condemned in the strongest possible terms, the use of the Maldivian national flag in a manner to tarnish the good standing and reputation of the nation and the people. The Government said it gives high priority to the implementation of all resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, including the Resolutions North Korea. It is currently investigating the matter and wishes to make clear that the Maldives will pursue aggressive action against any such acts which affects the national identity in such a detrimental manner, said the Administration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement confirming that the vessel Xin Yuan 18 is not registered in the Maldives, as has the Transport Authority. Maldivian authorities do not allow flag of convenience to foreign owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters.