How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China Fell for a Lobster: AI’s New Frontier in Beijing’s Ambitions
When Wang first asked, “Are you a lobster?” to the BBC, it was a question born from his own obsession with the AI assistant OpenClaw. Known as “lobster” in China, this tool had consumed his thoughts so deeply that he questioned whether he was conversing with a human or an algorithm. After confirming his own humanity, he shared how his journey into AI had become a full-time endeavor, driven by the growing enthusiasm for tools like OpenClaw.
OpenClaw’s Chinese Surge
Developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, OpenClaw has become a cornerstone of China’s AI adoption. Unlike Western platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude, which face restrictions in the country, OpenClaw operates on open-source data and technology, making it easily adaptable for integration with Chinese AI systems. This accessibility has fueled its rapid spread, with users experimenting and customizing the code to suit their needs.
“The excitement around OpenClaw is uniquely Chinese,” noted Wendy Chang from the MERICS think-tank. “It’s not just a tool—it’s a symbol of how people are embracing open-source innovation with enthusiasm.”
Wang’s personal experience highlights this trend. Running an online shop on TikTok, a platform blocked in China, he used his “lobster” to automate product listings. While manually handling a dozen items daily was exhausting, the AI assistant could complete up to 200 in two minutes. “It’s both terrifying and thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this. It writes descriptions, compares prices with competitors, and does it all instantly—something I’d never manage in the same time.”
From Dreamers to Entrepreneurs
Across China, from Shenzhen’s tech scene to Beijing’s headquarters, thousands of individuals—students, professionals, and retirees—queued for free OpenClaw adaptations. The tool’s versatility sparked creativity, with some users leveraging it for stock trading, claiming it identified optimal buy and sell moments. Others praised its ability to streamline tasks and save time.
“Raising a lobster” has become a social media phrase, reflecting how users tailor these assistants to their specific goals. Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, frequently shared his process of training his “lobster” on platforms like Weibo, showcasing its role in everyday productivity.
China’s AI ambitions are no recent phenomenon. Last year’s DeepSeek, a breakthrough app developed by domestic engineers, demonstrated the country’s growing appetite for innovation. Its open-source model followed years of strategic investments in critical technologies, a momentum that OpenClaw now amplifies. While the government watches closely, it has also encouraged adoption, with cities like Wuxi offering financial incentives for businesses using the AI in manufacturing, such as robotics.
“Everyone in China knows the government leads the way,” said Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China. “They tell you where opportunities lie, and following their guidance feels more practical than figuring it out alone.”
OpenClaw’s rise underscores a broader shift. As Beijing continues to signal its priorities in AI development, the tool stands as a testament to the nation’s ability to merge global technology with local ingenuity. Whether in dream sequences or daily routines, the “lobster” has become more than an assistant—it’s a cultural phenomenon shaping China’s technological future.
