An earthquake has struck the far west of China but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, AP reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey said Friday, March 9 that the 5.8 quake struck about 7 a.m. (2300 GMT) in the southern part of Xinjiang region.

An official from the Communist Party Propaganda Department in Luopu county, where the earthquake hit about 175 miles (280 kilometers) northeast of Hotan, said the epicenter was in the desert and no reports of injuries had been made. The official refused to give his name.

The USGS put the quake's depth at 22 miles (35.5 kilometers).