Offshore Earthquake Shakes Taiwan; No Danger of Tsunami

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. (Reuters)
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. (Reuters)
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Offshore Earthquake Shakes Taiwan; No Danger of Tsunami

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. (Reuters)
Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. (Reuters)

A strong earthquake struck off the east coast of Taiwan on Monday, shaking buildings in the capital, Taipei. No serious damage or injuries were reported, and authorities said there was no danger of a tsunami.

The magnitude 6.1 quake was centered 27 kilometers (17 miles) deep and about 90 kilometers (56 miles) offshore from the city of Hualien, Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau said. The strongest shaking was in northeastern Taiwan, including Taipei, The Associated Press said.

The earthquake's location was about 70 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of the remote island of Yonaguni at the western end of the Japanese archipelago. The Japanese Meteorological Agency said the quake measured magnitude 6.6, while the US Geological Survey said 6.3.

Preliminary measurements often differ and may be revised after further analysis.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency said there may be small swellings of ocean waters but there was no danger of a tsunami.
Chinese media said the earthquake was also felt in parts of mainland China. Self-governing Taiwan is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) east of the Chinese coast.



Chad Ends Defense Cooperation Agreement with France

FILED - 30 September 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference at the Pine Residence, the official residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 30 September 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference at the Pine Residence, the official residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
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Chad Ends Defense Cooperation Agreement with France

FILED - 30 September 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference at the Pine Residence, the official residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 30 September 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot speaks during a press conference at the Pine Residence, the official residence of the French ambassador to Lebanon. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa

Chad's government said on Thursday it has ended its defense cooperation pact with France, a move that could see French troops leave the Central African country.
In a statement, Chad's foreign ministry said the country, a key Western ally in the fight against extremist militants in the region, wanted to fully assert its sovereignty after more than six decades of independence.
It said the decision to end the defense cooperation agreement revised in 2019 would enable it to redefine its strategic partnerships. Chad has cooperated closely with Western nations' military forces in the past, but it has moved closer to Russia in recent years.
France had pulled its troops out of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso following military coups.
"In accordance with the terms of the accord, Chad will respect the modalities of the termination including the necessary deadlines, and will collaborate with French authorities to ensure a harmonious transition," the statement said.
The French foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.
The statement by Chad's foreign ministry said the decision to end the nation's defense partnership with France should in no way undermine the friendly relations between the two countries.