How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China Fell for a Lobster: What an AI Assistant Reveals About Beijing’s Ambition
When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” he was reflecting on his recent obsession with OpenClaw, an AI tool that has gained a distinctive nickname in China. The young IT engineer feared he might be conversing with a machine rather than a journalist, as his focus had shifted entirely to this technology. After confirming his human identity, he shared how deeply he had become involved with OpenClaw, which has become a symbol of China’s rapid embrace of artificial intelligence.
Driven by support from China’s leadership, the nation’s second-largest economy has surged into the AI arena, blending fascination with apprehension. OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, exemplifies this trend. Its reliance on open-source data and tools allows for seamless integration with Chinese AI systems, offering a critical edge over Western alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude, which are inaccessible in the country. This adaptability has fueled a wave of experimentation, with OpenClaw becoming a sensation in tech circles.
Wang, who chose to keep his name private due to his TikTok-based digital gadget business, described the impact of his customized version of OpenClaw. “It’s both frightening and thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this task. It writes with more precision and can instantly compare my prices to competitors—something I’d never manage in a day.” The tool’s efficiency, handling up to 200 product listings in two minutes, has transformed his workflow, which once allowed only a dozen entries daily.
“The excitement around OpenClaw is uniquely Chinese,” noted Wendy Chang of MERICS. “It’s not just about technology—it’s about a cultural shift toward adopting tools that align with national goals.”
The AI tool’s rise wasn’t unnoticed by global leaders. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang labeled it “the next ChatGPT,” while Steinberger’s decision to join OpenAI further highlighted its significance. Yet, the surge in popularity was fueled by a grassroots movement, with Chinese users experimenting with OpenClaw’s code in creative ways. From students to retirees, crowds gathered at Tencent and Baidu headquarters for free customized versions, eager to explore its potential.
Some users claimed their “lobsters” helped with stock trading, analyzing optimal buy and sell times, even executing trades. Others praised its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Li Dan, a popular comedian and author, joked about dreaming of his lobster on Douyin, while Fu Sheng of Cheetah Mobile proudly shared his “lobster” training journey on social media—a phrase that resonated widely among users.
China’s AI momentum has been building for years. The emergence of DeepSeek last spring caught many by surprise, as it demonstrated the country’s growing appetite for innovation. Developed by engineers from top Chinese universities, DeepSeek underscored the nation’s commitment to mastering critical technologies, even as imports faced restrictions. This foundation paved the way for OpenClaw’s success, which in turn showcased the public’s eagerness to adopt open-source platforms.
Government support for OpenClaw has been evident. Local authorities in cities like Wuxi offered financial incentives, including up to five million yuan, for its application in manufacturing, such as robot development. “Everyone in China understands the government leads the way,” said Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China. “Following their guidance is practical—there’s no need to navigate this alone.”
