How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China Fell for a Lobster: AI’s Rise in the Dragon Kingdom
When Wang first greeted the BBC with the question, “Are you a lobster?” it was clear that the AI assistant known as OpenClaw had captured his imagination. In China, where it’s dubbed “lobster,” the tool has become so integral to his work that he questioned whether he was conversing with a machine or a journalist. After confirming his humanity, Wang shared how deeply he had immersed himself in OpenClaw’s capabilities, revealing its transformative impact on his daily tasks.
Driven by support from China’s leadership, the second-largest economy has fully embraced artificial intelligence, igniting both fascination and apprehension. OpenClaw, created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, exemplifies this shift. By leveraging open-source data and technology, it allows users to tailor the AI to integrate with Chinese systems, a distinct advantage over Western models like ChatGPT and Claude, which remain inaccessible in the region.
Wang’s experience highlights the tool’s potential. Managing an online shop on TikTok, which is restricted in China, he used OpenClaw to streamline product listings. “It’s astonishing,” he admitted, describing how the AI handled up to 200 uploads in two minutes—far surpassing his manual capacity of around a dozen per day. The assistant’s ability to instantly compare prices with competitors and craft descriptions left him both awestruck and slightly uneasy.
“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,” said Rui Ma, founder of the Tech Buzz China newsletter.
OpenClaw’s surge in popularity was propelled by a unique Chinese enthusiasm. While global tech communities celebrated its emergence, the tool’s adoption in China reached a fever pitch. From students to retirees, hundreds flocked to Tencent and Baidu headquarters to claim free custom versions. “Everyone in China knows that the government sets the pace,” Ma added, emphasizing the alignment between state direction and public innovation.
Wang likened OpenClaw to “the AI era’s answer for ordinary people,” reflecting its accessibility. Chinese tech firms echoed this sentiment, rapidly developing apps powered by the platform. Meanwhile, the government incentivized its use, offering substantial rewards for business applications. In Wuxi, for instance, up to five million yuan was allocated to support manufacturing projects involving AI-driven robots.
China’s AI revolution was already gathering momentum before OpenClaw’s rise. The appearance of DeepSeek last year surprised many, as it showcased homegrown talent from elite universities. This success further fueled investment in critical technologies, with the government positioning AI as a national priority. As Beijing signals its priorities, the path for OpenClaw—and other AI tools—seems increasingly clear.
