TAIPEI (AFP) - A moderate 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Taiwan on Monday, the island's Seismology Centre said, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck 115km east of Hualien city at 9.41pm, at a depth of 16km.

A strong 6.2-magnitude quake struck the island on June 3, leaving two dead and 21 injured, and was also felt in Hong Kong, more than 700km away.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.