Despite Beijing's security worries, Shenzhen, China, supports OpenClaw AI with subsidies

Districts in China’s major technology hubs are promoting the development of an industry around OpenClaw, a fast-growing AI agent that can automate many tasks usually handled by people. Authorities in Shenzhen and Wuxi have announced plans to support companies building applications using the tool, even as regulators warn about potential security risks.

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger. The tool can perform tasks such as booking flights, managing emails and organizing work processes, allowing a single individual to operate like a “one-person company.” Since appearing in November, OpenClaw has become one of the fastest-growing projects on GitHub. Last month, U.S. AI company OpenAI hired Steinberger to work on the next generation of AI agents.

The technology has gained particular popularity in China, where new digital tools are often adopted quickly. Tech giant Tencent recently hosted an OpenClaw setup event in Shenzhen that attracted developers, students and retirees interested in learning how to use the tool.

OpenClaw can be integrated with AI models from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as Chinese developers including MiniMax and Kimi.

Local governments are now trying to build ecosystems around the technology. Shenzhen’s Longgang district released draft measures to support an OpenClaw-based AI industry and promote “one-person companies.” The plan follows national efforts highlighted during the National People's Congress to develop future industries such as embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics.

Similarly, the Wuxi National High-tech District, also known as Xinwu, published draft policies aimed at encouraging the use of OpenClaw in manufacturing technologies, including robotics and automated inspection systems.

However, Chinese regulators and state media have also raised concerns about the tool’s access to personal and sensitive data. Authorities warned that AI agents connected to cloud platforms could create cybersecurity risks or lead to data leaks.

To address these concerns, Wuxi’s draft policy proposes restricting OpenClaw from accessing sensitive data directories and setting up an AI compliance service center to manage issues such as cross-border data transfers and intellectual property protection.

Both Longgang and Xinwu districts are offering financial incentives to attract developers and startups. Longgang plans to provide subsidies and financing of up to 10 million yuan (about $1.4 million) for companies building significant OpenClaw applications. The district will also offer free computing resources, housing support and discounted office space for one-person companies.

Xinwu district is offering subsidies of up to 5 million yuan (around $690,000) for projects that apply OpenClaw to manufacturing technologies, including embodied-intelligence robots and automated industrial inspection systems.