In 2000, despite the small island nation's inability to monitor ... More than 180 ships signed up under the Tongan flag before the registry closed in 2002.

Paea races to the peak and plants a small Tongan flag on a pole in the crumbling soil, like an explorer of old. "I am claiming it for me and for Tonga," he says, with a large gap-toothed smile.

There were a few technical glitches when Taufatofua, who caused a stir when he went shirtless while carrying the Tongan flag at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics opening ceremony and again in the cold ...