An earthquake of 6.2 M at a depth of 29 km occurred off the eastern coast of Taiwan (southeastern China) on 3 January at 9.46 UTC (17.46 local time). The epicentre was approximately 60 km east of Hualien City (Hualien County, eastern Taiwan).

An aftershock of 5.0 M has been recorded in the area. USGS PAGER estimates that up to 168,000 people were exposed to strong shaking.

According to media reports, there are no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake.