Comment by jandrewrogers

Yes, you can build reinforced concrete structures rated to not collapse during a M8-9 earthquake. However, the quantity of steel and reinforcement required for the concrete structure to have sufficient strength makes it expensive and labor intensive to build.

The US has been pioneering other construction techniques using welded steel plates instead of reinforced concrete. They have excellent seismic resistance and are much cheaper to build because you don't need to place rebar.