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 greeted the BBC, he asked, “Are you a lobster?” This question stemmed from his recent obsession with OpenClaw, the AI assistant that has become a household name in China. For him, the line between human and machine blurred as he questioned whether he was conversing with a journalist or an artificial intelligence. After confirming his humanity, the IT engineer shared how he had become deeply involved with OpenClaw, a tool that has reshaped the AI landscape in the world’s second-largest economy.
The AI Landscape in China
Driven by support from China’s top leaders, the nation has surged ahead in artificial intelligence, capturing global attention. OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, exemplifies this trend. Its open-source design allows users to tailor it for integration with Chinese AI systems, offering a distinct edge over Western alternatives like ChatGPT and Claude, which are less accessible in the country.
OpenClaw’s popularity has ignited a wave of experimentation. Wang, who kept his full name private due to his role as a TikTok Shop vendor, described the tool’s capabilities. He explained that while manually managing TikTok product listings is time-consuming, his “lobster” could handle up to 200 entries in just two minutes. “It’s terrifying, yet thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this. It crafts better descriptions and instantly compares prices across competitors—something I’d never manage in a day.”
From Curiosity to Adoption
China’s fascination with OpenClaw transcends tech circles. Wendy Chang of MERICS noted that the enthusiasm surrounding it is “uniquely Chinese.” The AI assistant, dubbed “the era’s answer for ordinary people” by Wang, has become a symbol of accessibility in innovation. Chinese tech giants have embraced it, launching apps built on its foundation. In Shenzhen and Beijing, crowds of students and retirees gathered at Tencent and Baidu for free custom versions, eager to explore its potential.
Users have found diverse applications for the tool. Some claimed it helped them trade stocks, with “lobsters” analyzing market trends and executing trades. Others praised its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Even comedy and writing have been transformed, as noted by Li Dan, a famous comedian, who admitted to conversing with his lobster in dreams. Fu Sheng of Cheetah Mobile, meanwhile, shared his “lobster” on social media—a term users have taken to describe training AI assistants for specific needs.
Government Incentives and Strategic Direction
China’s AI movement has been gaining momentum for years. The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese app, surprised many and highlighted the country’s growing prowess in research and innovation. Developed by engineers from top universities, DeepSeek’s open-source model laid the groundwork for tools like OpenClaw. Local governments have since amplified this momentum, offering financial rewards to businesses adopting AI technologies. In Wuxi, for instance, up to 5 million yuan was granted for applications such as robot manufacturing.
Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, emphasized how the government sets the stage for technological progress. “Everyone knows the government leads the way,” he said. “They show where the opportunities lie. It’s practical for most people—following directives is often easier than figuring things out on your own.” This strategic guidance has positioned OpenClaw as a key player in China’s AI ambitions, with Beijing’s signals shaping the nation’s trajectory toward digital leadership. Once Beijing signals its priority, the response is swift and widespread.