How China fell for a lobster: driven by top leadership encouragement, the world’s second-biggest economy has embraced artificial intelligence, with OpenClaw leading the charge. This open-source wonder can upload 200 TikTok listings in two minutes, more than doubling human efficiency.
The enthusiasm for AI is uniquely Chinese, with tech giants releasing apps built on OpenClaw and hundreds of people lining up for free customised versions. From secondary school students to retirees, the dream is to raise their lobsters and use them for everything from stock trading to multi-tasking.
Meanwhile, the government sees opportunities, offering incentives for entrepreneurs who apply AI in manufacturing-related applications. But as initial hype cools, costs and security concerns set in, with Beijing warning of serious risks linked to improperly installing and using OpenClaw.
The competition is fierce; more than 100 AI models have emerged since 2023, with only 10 still in contention. While Chinese platforms lag behind Western competitors, the gap is narrowing. Promoting OpenClaw remains a strategic move for Chinese officials.
