How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition

When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” it was a sign of his deep fascination with the AI assistant OpenClaw, which has gained traction in China under that name. The young IT engineer had become so engrossed in the technology that he questioned whether he was conversing with a machine or a human. After confirming it was the latter, he shared how his journey with OpenClaw had unfolded. The enthusiasm for AI in China, fueled by national leadership, has transformed the country into a hub for innovation, blending curiosity with apprehension.

OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, has become a focal point in this AI movement. Its open-source nature allows Chinese developers to modify and integrate it with local AI models, offering a distinct edge over Western platforms like ChatGPT and Claude, which are less accessible in China. This adaptability has driven its rapid adoption, creating a wave of experimentation among users. Wang was among them, though he chose to remain anonymous due to his involvement in an online TikTok shop selling digital products—a venture restricted in the country.

For Wang, the impact of OpenClaw was immediate. Managing product listings on TikTok Shop typically required hours of manual effort, including image uploads, descriptions, and campaign setups. But his customized version of the AI assistant could handle up to 200 listings in just two minutes. “It’s both frightening and thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this. It writes more effectively and instantly checks competitors’ prices—something I’d never manage in a day.”

“The government sets the pace and highlights opportunities,” remarked Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China. “Following their guidance feels practical for most people.”

OpenClaw’s rise wasn’t isolated. It built on the momentum from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app that emerged earlier this year and surprised many with its capabilities. Like OpenClaw, DeepSeek was open-source, crafted by engineers from top-tier Chinese universities. This trend reflects a growing appetite for innovation, even amid restrictions on imported advanced technology. As the appetite for open-source tools grew, OpenClaw became a symbol of this shift.

Across China, from Shenzhen’s tech districts to Beijing’s corridors of power, people were eagerly adopting the AI assistant. Free customized versions drew crowds at Tencent and Baidu headquarters, with users ranging from students to retirees. Some claimed their “lobsters” aided in stock trading, analyzing market trends and making trades—though mistakes were inevitable. Others praised its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Even comedian Li Dan shared how deeply immersed he became, reportedly conversing with his lobster in dreams.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs like Fu Sheng of Cheetah Mobile used social media to showcase their personal AI experiences, popularizing the phrase “raising a lobster” to describe tailoring the assistant for specific needs. The government’s support has been pivotal, offering financial incentives to businesses adopting OpenClaw for applications like manufacturing and robotics. Wuxi, for example, provided up to five million yuan for such uses. As Beijing outlines its technological priorities, the nation’s embrace of AI tools continues to accelerate.