China opening molten-salt nuclear reactor that uses thorium as fuel

China plans to test a thorium-powered nuclear reactor in the Gobi Desert. Unlike conventional reactors, molten salt reactors dissolve fuel in a liquid core, reducing meltdown risks and increasing efficiency. Thorium is considered greener than uranium as it doesn't produce toxic plutonium and its radioactivity decreases faster. Thorium reactors don't need to be near water bodies, benefiting China geopolitically by reducing reliance on uranium imports. Thorium is more abundant in China, offering strategic advantages.

Why is the radioactivity of thorium considered safer compared to uranium?

What geopolitical advantages does China gain by moving away from uranium?