Technological development to supersede an older industry would take ages. 10-20 years at least before they could have full thorium-plant power creation.
Good technology. If they crack thorium's usage before anyone else, then selling that technology will be the most lucrative thing China has ever created.

Still it's disconcerting to think that our (Australia's) largest export partner will soon perhaps have little need of our LNG and coal, and our $85 billion AUD market will grind mostly to a halt. Silly Australia.