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Sun, 05 Apr 2026

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing's ambition

The AI agent sparked a frenzy of "raising lobsters" in March, with users training the tool to suit their needs.

* OpenClaw, a Chinese AI assistant also known as "the lobster", has gained immense popularity in China, with thousands of people using it to automate tasks and make decisions.
* The tool is built on open-source data and tech, making it accessible to users who want to customize it for their needs.
* Chinese tech giants such as Tencent and Baidu have released apps built on OpenClaw, which has sparked a frenzy among users.
* Some users are using OpenClaw to invest in stocks, analyze markets, and even perform tasks like messaging influencers and uploading products to TikTok shops.
* The tool's popularity has also led to concerns about job security, with many experts warning that AI could replace human workers in the near future.
* The Chinese government has taken notice of OpenClaw's success and has provided incentives for entrepreneurs to use the tool in their businesses.
* However, as users begin to reckon with the costs involved and security concerns, the trend is shifting from offering to install the service to removing it.
* Experts say that China's AI moment has been in the making for some time, with investments in crucial technology such as AI leading to breakthroughs like OpenClaw.