China has announced the operation of the world’s first experimental thorium molten-salt nuclear reactor, marking a major milestone in nuclear energy research. Thorium reactors are considered safer and produce less long-lived waste than traditional uranium reactors. Key Facts: • Uses thorium instead of uranium • Based on molten salt reactor (MSR) technology • Lower risk of meltdown • Produces less long-term radioactive waste • Thorium is more abundant than uranium • Reactor is experimental, not c