How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China Fell for a Lobster: AI’s Role in Beijing’s Tech Ambitions
When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” to the BBC, it revealed his recent obsession with OpenClaw—a Chinese AI assistant known by that name. He had grown so immersed in the technology that he questioned whether he was speaking to a human or an algorithm. After confirming his own humanity, the young IT engineer described how he had become deeply involved with OpenClaw, a tool that has captured significant attention across China.
The Rise of OpenClaw in China
Driven by national leadership’s support, China’s second-largest economy has rapidly adopted artificial intelligence, generating both fascination and apprehension. OpenClaw, developed by Austrian creator Peter Steinberger, exemplifies this trend. Built on open-source data and technology, it allows users to modify the code for compatibility with Chinese AI systems. This flexibility is a major edge, as Western models like ChatGPT and Claude are restricted in the country.
“Everyone in China knows that the government sets the pace, and the government tells you where the opportunities are,” said Rui Ma, founder of the Tech Buzz China newsletter.
OpenClaw’s appeal surged as more individuals experimented with its customizable features. Wang, who chose to withhold his full name due to his side business selling digital gadgets on TikTok—a platform blocked in China—was among them. He described the assistant’s capabilities, noting how it could handle up to 200 product listings on TikTok Shop in just two minutes, far surpassing his manual capacity of about a dozen per day.
“It felt both unsettling and exhilarating. The lobster outperformed him in this task. It writes better, and can instantly compare my prices with every competitor—something I would never have time to do,” he added. The AI’s ability to streamline tasks like inventory management and marketing has made it a tool of choice for many.
OpenClaw and the Chinese Tech Landscape
China’s AI enthusiasm has been building for years, with breakthroughs like DeepSeek earlier this year capturing widespread attention. Developed by homegrown engineers from top Chinese universities, DeepSeek demonstrated the nation’s appetite for innovation in a tech environment limited by import restrictions. This momentum created the perfect backdrop for OpenClaw to gain traction.
Across the country, from Shenzhen’s tech hubs to Beijing’s corporate centers, hundreds of users—ranging from high school students to retirees—queued for free customized versions of OpenClaw. Some claimed the tool helped them trade stocks, analyzing optimal buying and selling moments, even executing trades despite risks. Others praised its ability to multitask and save time.
“It’s practical for most people. That’s probably a better plan, to just follow the government directive than to really try to figure it out on your own,” said Rui Ma.
Even cultural figures joined the craze. Famous comedian and author Li Dan shared on Douyin that he dreamt about conversing with his “lobster.” Meanwhile, Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, popularized the phrase “raising his lobster” on social media, a term users adopted to describe training the AI for personal needs. The government’s endorsement, including financial incentives in cities like Wuxi, further fueled its adoption, with local authorities offering up to five million yuan for manufacturing applications such as robotics.
As Beijing signaled its priorities, the tech ecosystem responded. OpenClaw’s success underscores how Chinese entrepreneurs and users are embracing open-source platforms, blending innovation with practicality in the AI era.
