Earthquakes hit nearby Indonesia

A moderate 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck 111 km northwest of Pulau Selu Island in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, on Monday at 08:18 pm local time (per volcanodiscovery.com).

The quake was followed by two more moderate tremors in the same region, including a 4.3-magnitude event 154 km northwest of Kefamenanu, Indonesia, at 02:52 pm Makassar time (per volcanodiscovery.com).

In a separate development, China is reportedly increasing its investment and trade engagement with Timor-Leste, though concerns are mounting over potential geopolitical tensions, Strait Times reports.

The region remains under monitoring for possible aftershocks or further seismic activity related to the recent events in Maluku, according to local geological surveys.