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
When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” to the BBC, it was a reflection of his deepening fascination with the AI assistant OpenClaw—a tool that has become synonymous with the name “lobster” in China. Recently, he had been so engrossed by OpenClaw’s capabilities that he questioned whether he was conversing with an algorithm or a human. After confirming his own humanity, he shared how his journey into AI had become an obsession, particularly with OpenClaw. This AI platform, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, has captured the imagination of Chinese innovators, symbolizing the nation’s rapid embrace of artificial intelligence.
The Open-Source Advantage
OpenClaw’s success stems from its reliance on open-source data and technology, allowing users to tailor it for integration with local AI systems. This adaptability sets it apart from Western counterparts like ChatGPT and Claude, which are less accessible in China. The platform’s flexibility has fueled a surge in experimentation, with many users testing its potential. Wang, who opted to keep his identity private due to his involvement in selling digital gadgets via TikTok (a service restricted in China), became one of those users.
Managing TikTok Shop listings is typically a tedious process: uploading images, crafting titles, setting prices, and engaging influencers. Wang once managed about a dozen items daily, but his customised version of OpenClaw—still in development—claimed to handle up to 200 listings in two minutes. “It’s both frightening and thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this. It writes more efficiently and instantly compares my prices to competitors, something I’d never manage in a day.”
From Curiosity to Integration
OpenClaw’s rise in China has been remarkable. Its developer, Peter Steinberger, has drawn comparisons to ChatGPT, with Nvidia’s Jensen Huang calling it “the next ChatGPT.” However, the widespread adoption of the tool has been uniquely driven by Chinese enthusiasm. Wendy Chang of MERICS noted that this craze was “uniquely Chinese,” highlighting how the platform has become a symbol of the AI era for everyday users.
“Everyone in China knows the government sets the pace and guides where opportunities lie,” said Rui Ma, founder of the Tech Buzz China newsletter. “It’s practical for most people to follow government direction rather than navigate the unknown.”
The government’s endorsement has been pivotal. Incentives were offered to businesses across regions, with the eastern city of Wuxi providing up to five million yuan ($726,000; £549,000) for applications in manufacturing, such as robotic systems. This support underscores Beijing’s strategic push to advance AI, even as the nation seeks to reduce dependence on foreign tech.
Chinese tech leaders have also aligned with this trend, launching apps based on OpenClaw. From Shenzhen’s startup scene to Beijing’s corporate hubs, hundreds of individuals—from students to retirees—queued up for free customised versions. Many were eager to explore its potential, with some using it for stock trading, claiming the AI could analyse market trends and execute trades, despite the risks of errors. Others praised its efficiency in handling multiple tasks and saving time.
Famous comedian and author Li Dan shared on Douyin that he now spoke to his lobster in dreams, illustrating how deeply the tool has渗透ed into daily life. Meanwhile, Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, frequently posted about “raising his lobster” on social media—a phrase that has become a cultural shorthand for training AI assistants to meet personal needs.
China’s AI momentum has been building for years. The emergence of DeepSeek, a groundbreaking app from elite Chinese universities, surprised many earlier this year. Its open-source model demonstrated the country’s appetite for innovation, even in the face of trade restrictions. This environment paved the way for OpenClaw to thrive, as users and companies alike sought to harness its capabilities. As Beijing continues to signal its priorities, the nation’s AI landscape appears poised for further transformation.
