A magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck Akqi County in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on December 4, 2025, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). The quake occurred in the Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Kizilsu, a seismically active region bordering Central Asia.
Initial reports indicate tremors were felt across multiple counties, with local authorities activating emergency response protocols. Rescue teams have been dispatched to assess structural damage in the sparsely populated mountainous area. "Our priority is ensuring resident safety and restoring critical infrastructure," stated a regional emergency management spokesperson.
While no casualties have been reported as of press time, the earthquake serves as a reminder of Xinjiang's complex geological profile. The region recorded 17 earthquakes above magnitude-4.0 this year, according to CENC data. Seismologists attribute this activity to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The Chinese government has maintained robust earthquake monitoring systems in Xinjiang since 2015, with 78% of regional towns now equipped with early-warning sensors. International disaster response organizations have praised China's rapid mobilization capabilities in recent years.
