Taiwan Rejects China's Assistance After Earthquake, Has Not Responded to US

According to the newspaperSCMPTaiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has very briefly stated that they do not need help.

"We have noticed that China's Taiwan Affairs Office has expressed concern about the earthquake off Hualien this morning. We appreciate their concern, but there is no need for the mainland to assist us in disaster relief," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said.

Meanwhile, the US said it "stands ready to provide any necessary assistance" to Taiwan following the earthquake.

"We are monitoring reports of the earthquake and monitoring the potential impact on Japan," added US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson.

Taiwan has not yet commented on the offer of help from the US.

As of the evening of April 3, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake had killed at least 9 people and injured more than 930 in Taiwan.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 25 kilometers south of Hualien County and 138 kilometers from Taipei City. The strong shock was felt across the entire island, causing many buildings to collapse.

Tsunami warnings were issued in Taiwan as well as in mainland China and surrounding areas, but were quickly lifted.

Footage broadcast by local media showed horrific scenes of buildings shaking violently and collapsing to the ground as people ran in panic. In addition to the nine people killed, at least 56 people are still trapped in the rubble.

According toNikkei Asia, the earthquake has affected Taiwan's important semiconductor industry. TSMC Corporation had to evacuate factories and partially shut down production lines as a precaution.

TSMC said all employees are safe, some have returned to work, and initial inspections showed no serious damage.