How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition

How China Fell for a Lobster: Insights into Beijing’s AI Ambition

Wang’s first question for the BBC was whether he was a lobster. The young IT engineer had become so engrossed in the AI tool OpenClaw—renowned in China as “lobster”—that he questioned if he was conversing with an algorithm instead of a journalist. After confirming he was human, he shared how his fascination with the technology had grown. With backing from China’s leadership, the nation’s second-largest economy has rapidly adopted artificial intelligence, creating both fascination and apprehension. OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, exemplifies this trend.

OpenClaw’s open-source foundation gives it a distinct edge, as it allows seamless integration with Chinese AI systems. Unlike Western models such as ChatGPT and Claude, which face restrictions in China, OpenClaw’s accessibility has fueled widespread experimentation. This surge in usage has led to a frenzy, with users like Wang testing its capabilities. He kept his identity private due to his work managing a TikTok shop for digital gadgets, a venture banned within the country.

Wang’s lobster, customised for his needs, performed tasks at an unprecedented pace. Uploading products to the platform, which usually takes hours of meticulous work, was completed in minutes. “It’s both frightening and thrilling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me—its writing is sharper, and it instantly compares my prices to competitors, something I’d never manage alone.” The tool’s rise wasn’t limited to Wang. From Shenzhen’s tech hubs to Beijing’s executive suites, hundreds of individuals—students and retirees alike—queued for free customised versions of the software.

“The fervor around OpenClaw is distinctly Chinese,” noted Wendy Chang of MERICS. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about aligning with national goals.”

OpenClaw’s success has inspired other innovations. After DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI model, gained traction earlier this year, the momentum for open-source platforms only accelerated. DeepSeek, created by engineers from top Chinese universities, demonstrated the country’s drive to seize opportunities in research despite limitations on imported tech. This shift has made open-source tools like OpenClaw more appealing to users eager to embrace practical solutions.

The government’s role has been pivotal. Local authorities have rolled out incentives to promote OpenClaw’s adoption in industries like manufacturing. In Wuxi, for instance, businesses could receive up to five million yuan ($726,000; £549,000) for integrating the tool into their operations. “Everyone in China knows the government sets the direction,” said Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China. “Following their guidance is more efficient than figuring it out independently.”

OpenClaw’s cultural impact is undeniable. Some users claim it aids in stock trading, analysing market trends and executing trades. Others praise its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Even entertainment figures, like comedian Li Dan, shared how deeply they had immersed themselves in the technology, describing dreams where they conversed with their lobster. Meanwhile, Cheetah Mobile’s Fu Sheng used social media to showcase his “raised lobster,” a term that has become a symbol of personal AI customization in China.

With Beijing’s clear vision, China’s AI movement continues to gain momentum. The combination of government support, open-source innovation, and grassroots enthusiasm suggests a nation poised to redefine the future of artificial intelligence.