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 tells us about Beijing’s ambition
Wang’s initial question—’Are you a lobster?’—revealed his deep fascination with the AI system OpenClaw, a tool so entwined with Chinese innovation that it sparked speculation about whether he was conversing with a machine. After confirming his human identity, the young IT engineer shared how he had become immersed in the technology, explaining its transformative role in his work. OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, has become a symbol of China’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence, with its open-source framework enabling customization for local AI models.
A Competitive Edge in a Tech-Savvy Economy
Unlike Western systems like ChatGPT and Claude, which are inaccessible in China, OpenClaw offers a unique advantage by leveraging open-source data and technology. This accessibility fueled its rapid adoption, with users across the country experimenting with its code. Wang, who masked his identity for privacy, was one such user. His side business on TikTok—selling digital gadgets—had been complicated by the manual effort of listing products, a process that usually limited him to around a dozen items per day.
“It is scary, but also exciting. My lobster is better than I am at this. It writes better, and can instantly compare my prices with every competitor—something I would never have time to do.”
With his “lobster” still in development, Wang claimed it could handle up to 200 product listings in just two minutes. This efficiency, he said, was both a marvel and a challenge, as it outperformed him in tasks like pricing analysis and content creation. OpenClaw’s appeal extended beyond individual users, with tech giants like Tencent and Baidu distributing free customized versions to hundreds of people, from students to retirees, in cities like Shenzhen and Beijing.
A Cultural Shift in AI Adoption
Wendy Chang, a researcher at the MERICS think-tank, noted that the enthusiasm for OpenClaw was “uniquely Chinese.” Users described it as the answer to everyday challenges in the AI era, with some even using it to manage stock investments. Despite the risk of mistakes, these tools gained traction for their ability to multitask and save time. Even a famous comedian and author, Li Dan, shared tales of conversing with his “lobster” in dreams on Douyin, highlighting its integration into daily life.
Meanwhile, Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, showcased his “raised lobster” on social media—a phrase that became a cultural shorthand for training AI assistants. The rise of OpenClaw was not an isolated event; it followed the success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that emerged last year and demonstrated the nation’s growing appetite for innovation. DeepSeek, built by engineers from top universities, also underscored China’s commitment to open-source development, paving the way for tools like OpenClaw to flourish.
Government support further accelerated this trend, with local authorities offering financial incentives to businesses adopting OpenClaw. For instance, the city of Wuxi provided up to five million yuan for manufacturing applications, such as robot development. Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, explained, “Everyone in China knows that the government sets the pace, and the government tells you where the opportunities are. 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.”
Once Beijing signals its priorities, the tech ecosystem responds swiftly. OpenClaw’s popularity reflects a broader ambition: to create tools that empower ordinary citizens while competing globally. As the AI landscape evolves, the nation’s focus on open-source platforms and grassroots innovation continues to shape its technological future.
