 The PRC has reclaimed land on the reef, bringing its area to 7.6 hectares, and occupied the reef.The reef has a lighthouse on top of a two storied defence outpost.On 12 July 2016, the tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration concluded that Hughes Reef is, or in its natural condition was, exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide and, accordingly, its low-tide elevations do not generate an entitlement to a territorial sea, exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.