Ask Onix
China embraces OpenClaw amid AI boom
A young IT engineer in China recently asked a BBC journalist if they were a lobster-slang for OpenClaw, the AI assistant that has captivated the country's tech community. After confirming the conversation was human-led, Wang (a pseudonym) shared how deeply he had immersed himself in the tool, which has become a symbol of China's rapid AI adoption.
The rise of OpenClaw
OpenClaw, developed by Austrian engineer Peter Steinberger, gained global attention when Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called it "the next ChatGPT." Its open-source framework allows customization, making it particularly valuable in China, where Western AI models like ChatGPT remain inaccessible. Steinberger's recent move to OpenAI further fueled its popularity.
In China, OpenClaw's adaptability sparked a wave of experimentation. Tech giants like Tencent and Baidu released their own versions, drawing crowds-from students to retirees-eager to test the tool. Local governments even offered financial incentives, such as Wuxi's $726,000 grant for AI-driven manufacturing applications.
From hype to practical use
Wang, who runs a TikTok shop selling digital gadgets (despite the platform's ban in China), said his customized OpenClaw assistant could handle 200 product listings in two minutes-a task that once took him an entire day. "It's scary but exciting," he admitted. "My lobster writes better than I do and compares prices instantly."
Other users reported using OpenClaw for stock trading, multitasking, and even creative work. Comedian Li Dan joked about conversing with his AI in dreams, while Cheetah Mobile CEO Fu Sheng popularized the phrase "raising a lobster" to describe training the tool for personal use.
Government backing and market competition
China's AI push aligns with its "AI Plus" strategy, integrating artificial intelligence across industries. Since 2023, over 100 AI models have emerged in what local media calls the "Hundred Model War," though only a fraction remain competitive.
Rui Ma, founder of Tech Buzz China, noted that Beijing's directives shape market trends. "Everyone knows the government sets the pace," she said. "Following its lead is often the safest bet."
Challenges and contradictions
Despite the enthusiasm, concerns have surfaced. Beijing's cybersecurity authorities warned of risks tied to improper OpenClaw use, leading some government agencies to ban the tool. Costs-such as token fees for interactions-and security issues have tempered initial excitement.
Yet the government's support persists. Incentives for AI startups, including subsidies up to $1.4 million, aim to address youth unemployment (over 16%) by encouraging "one-person companies" powered by AI. A state-run newspaper warned, "If you don't 'raise lobsters' by 2026, you've already lost."
Fear of falling behind
Jason, an IT programmer, described the job market as cutthroat. "Companies now only hire those with AI experience," he said. "It's mostly layoffs, with few new hires."
Wang, however, remains optimistic. "I might not need a traditional job," he said, referring to his AI-assisted TikTok business. "If lobsters take over, I'll pivot to another venture-using AI, of course."
"It's genuinely terrifying. Everyone could be replaced."
Jason, IT programmer
