How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing’s ambition
How China Fell for a Lobster: AI’s Role in Beijing’s Technological Ambitions
Wang’s initial question to the BBC was simple: “Are you a lobster?” His recent obsession with the AI assistant OpenClaw—named for its claw-like interface in China—had left him unsure whether he was conversing with a human or an algorithm. After confirming his own humanity, the young IT engineer shared his journey into the world of AI, highlighting how OpenClaw has become a central part of his daily routine.
The Open-Source Edge
OpenClaw, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, has gained traction in China due to its open-source foundation. This accessibility allows developers to adapt the platform for local AI systems, offering a distinct advantage over Western models like ChatGPT and Claude, which are less available in the country. The tool’s rapid adoption sparked a surge of interest, with users experimenting with its code to tailor it for specific needs.
“The enthusiasm for OpenClaw is uniquely Chinese,” noted Wendy Chang of MERICS think-tank. “It reflects a broader cultural embrace of AI, even as it challenges traditional boundaries.”
Wang, who chose to keep his identity private for fear of scrutiny from his online business, described how the AI assistant revolutionized his workflow. Managing TikTok Shop listings—a process involving image uploads, pricing adjustments, and influencer outreach—had once been a tedious task. With OpenClaw, he claimed, the tool could handle up to 200 listings in two minutes, far surpassing his manual capacity of a dozen per day.
“It’s both thrilling and a bit unsettling,” he said. “My lobster outperforms me at this. It writes more effectively and instantly compares prices across competitors—something I’d never manage in a single day.”
A Trendy Revolution
OpenClaw’s rise wasn’t just technical; it became a cultural phenomenon. From Shenzhen’s tech startups to Beijing’s corporate halls, hundreds of users—ranging from students to retirees—queued for free customized versions of the AI. Some leveraged it for stock trading, claiming the tool identified optimal buy and sell moments, while others praised its ability to streamline multitasking.
“Li Dan, a comedian and author, told his Douyin followers he’d even dreamt of conversing with his lobster,” the article noted. “Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, shared his own story of ‘raising his lobster’ on social media, a phrase that became a popular way to describe training AI for personal use.”
China’s AI momentum has been building for years, with investments in critical technologies laying the groundwork for innovation. The breakthrough came with DeepSeek, a Chinese app that stunned users with its capabilities and open-source approach. Developed by engineers from top universities, DeepSeek’s success fueled further interest in platforms like OpenClaw, which now benefit from government support.
In cities like Wuxi, local governments actively incentivized businesses to integrate OpenClaw into operations. One initiative offered up to five million yuan for manufacturing applications, such as robotic systems. “Everyone in China understands the government sets the direction,” said Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China. “Following its lead makes sense—it’s more practical than trying to navigate the tech landscape alone.”
As Beijing continues to signal its priorities, the lobster metaphor—once a quirky label—has evolved into a symbol of a nation rapidly embracing artificial intelligence. For many, it’s not just about efficiency; it’s about seizing opportunities in a new era of innovation.
