How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China embraced the AI revolution: A tale of the ‘lobster’
When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” to the BBC, it revealed his recent obsession with OpenClaw—a Chinese AI assistant that has taken on the name “lobster” in the nation’s tech scene. For the young IT engineer, the question wasn’t just playful; it reflected his growing uncertainty about whether he was conversing with a human or an algorithm. After confirming his human identity, he shared how deeply he had immersed himself in the AI’s capabilities.
A global platform, tailored for China
OpenClaw, developed by Austrian engineer Peter Steinberger, has become a focal point of China’s AI ambitions. Its open-source nature allows users to modify the code for integration with local systems, giving it an edge in a market where Western models like ChatGPT and Claude are inaccessible. This adaptability has fueled widespread experimentation, creating a buzz that has spread across 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.
Wang’s personal use case highlights the tool’s impact. Managing an online shop selling digital gadgets on TikTok, he kept his identity private to avoid scrutiny. The platform, banned in China, required tedious tasks like uploading products and managing campaigns. His customised “lobster,” however, could handle up to 200 listings in two minutes, far outpacing his manual efforts. “It’s scary, but also exciting,” he remarked. “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.”
A movement beyond tech elites
From Shenzhen’s bustling tech hubs to Beijing’s corporate corridors, thousands have flocked to apps built on OpenClaw’s framework. Secondary school students, retirees, and entrepreneurs alike have adopted the tool, treating it as a gateway to the AI era. “It’s practical for most people,” noted Ma. “Following the government’s direction is probably a better plan than figuring it out on your own.”
OpenClaw’s rise wasn’t accidental. It followed the success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that surprised the global community last year. Developed by engineers from top universities, DeepSeek demonstrated the nation’s growing appetite for innovation despite restrictions on advanced technology imports. Its open-source model paved the way for OpenClaw to flourish, with local developers refining it for specific needs.
“The enthusiasm that turned OpenClaw into something ‘trendy’ was uniquely Chinese,” said Wendy Chang of the MERICS think-tank.
Users have embraced the tool in diverse ways. Some claim it aids stock trading, with their “lobsters” analysing market trends and executing trades. Others praise its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Even a famous comedian and author, Li Dan, shared on Douyin how he dreamed about his lobster. “I was so immersed in OpenClaw that I talked to my lobster in my dreams,” he said.
A cultural shift in AI adoption
Cheetah Mobile’s CEO, Fu Sheng, popularised the phrase “raising your lobster” on social media—a metaphor for training AI assistants to meet individual goals. This linguistic trend underscores how deeply OpenClaw has woven itself into Chinese culture. As Beijing signals its priorities, the AI landscape continues to evolve, with government incentives driving its integration into industries like manufacturing. In Wuxi, for example, up to five million yuan was offered to businesses leveraging OpenClaw’s potential.