China’s Obsession with the Lobster: Insights into Beijing’s AI Drive

When Wang first greeted the BBC, his initial query was simple: “Are you a lobster?” This question stemmed from his deep immersion in OpenClaw, an AI assistant that has gained traction in China under the moniker “lobster.” At the time, he questioned whether he was conversing with a human or an algorithm. After confirming his human identity, Wang shared his journey into AI, particularly his fascination with OpenClaw. The assistant, developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger, has become a symbol of China’s rapid embrace of artificial intelligence, fueled by top-down encouragement from its leadership.

A Platform for the Masses

OpenClaw’s open-source nature has made it accessible for customization with Chinese AI models, offering a distinct edge over Western systems like ChatGPT and Claude, which are not widely available in the country. This flexibility has driven its popularity, with users experimenting extensively. Wang, who kept his name private due to his involvement in a TikTok digital goods store, described how his version of the assistant surpassed his capabilities. “It’s scary, but also exciting. 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,” he said.

“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.

China’s AI momentum has been building for years. The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese app that shocked the tech world early last year, showcased the nation’s hunger for innovation despite restrictions on advanced tech imports. Developed by domestic engineers from top universities, DeepSeek laid the groundwork for OpenClaw’s rise. Its success further bolstered investments in AI, creating a fertile environment for tools like OpenClaw to thrive.

From Shenzhen to Beijing, OpenClaw has sparked a frenzy. Hundreds of individuals, ranging from students to retirees, gathered at Tencent and Baidu headquarters to claim free custom versions. The assistant’s versatility has led to diverse uses: some reported leveraging it for stock trading, while others praised its ability to streamline tasks and save time. Li Dan, a comedian and author, even shared how deeply he had integrated the tool into his life, dreaming of conversations with his lobster.

“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.

Government support has played a key role in OpenClaw’s growth. Local authorities in cities like Wuxi have offered financial incentives, such as up to five million yuan, to encourage its application in manufacturing and robotics. This strategy reflects a broader trend of aligning private innovation with national goals. “The enthusiasm that turned OpenClaw into something ‘trendy’ was uniquely Chinese,” noted Wendy Chang of MERICS. As Beijing continues to signal its priorities, the lobster’s influence shows no signs of waning.