Do you need to use Claude in China? The Chinese government blocks Anthropic’s AI models, including Claude 2.1, Claude 3, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Claude Opus. This guide explains how to use a VPN to unblock Claude in China.
Using AI platforms like Claude, or Anthropic’s new Computer Use agent, is challenging in restricted countries like China. This frustrates Chinese users who want to enjoy Anthropic’s advanced language models for text generation and other AI-driven productivity.
Claude in China can help you write, edit, and improve content. It can also translate from over 50 languages into Chinese. Restricted AI tools offer huge advantages for businesses that need to write content or individuals working on writing projects such as short stories and novels.
This guide explains all the steps needed to use Claude in China. Our experts have pinpointed the best VPNs that privately unlock Claude in China, giving you secure access. This allows anybody to use it without Chinese ISPs or the government finding out. You can read a summary of our top picks below.
The best VPNs for accessing Claude AI in China:
- NordVPN: The best overall VPN for accessing Claude in China. It offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and numerous servers ideal for bypassing Chinese internet restrictions. Also works with Netflix US. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN that allows unlimited device connections. Perfect for families or businesses looking to use Claude AI in China. Highly secure and can be tested risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN: Known for consistent speeds, strong security, and reliable ability to bypass region locks in China. Servers in over 100 countries to easily bypass blocks.
- CyberGhost VPN: Good for beginners. Offers an easy-to-use interface with specialized servers for streaming and bypassing restrictions. Ideal for users who want a simple setup to access Claude AI from China.
- PureVPN: Provides strong privacy features and a large network of global servers. Known for its affordability and ability to bypass censorship, it’s a solid option for accessing Claude AI in China.
- ProtonVPN: Prioritizes privacy with a strict no-logs policy and many advanced features. Secure servers in countries that support Claude AI. ProtonVPN has a basic free plan. Port forwarding is available for torrenting.
How to use Claude in China with a VPN
Not sure how to get started? Using a VPN to access Claude in China is much easier than you might realize. Even if you’re new to VPNs, you can set up and start using Claude in just a few minutes! Moreover,
Here’s how to use Claude AI in China:
- Choose a Claude VPN for China. We recommend NordVPN because of its fast speeds, reliability, and excellent security features. Surfshark is a great budget-friendly alternative, while ExpressVPN is well-known for its dependable connections and extensive server network.
- Download the VPN software for your preferred device. Our recommended VPNs have apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
- Login to the VPN app using your subscription credentials.
- Connect to a VPN server in a country where Claude AI is available, such as the US, Canada, or the UK.
- Access Claude AI by visiting the official website or platform where Claude is available.
If you have never used Claude AI, you will need to create an account, provide a phone number, and verify via SMS. Once that’s done, you can start using Claude AI from China. If you are concerned that you can’t register using your mobile number with Anthropic, you can set up a Google Voice number to receive the verification text.
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Can you use a free VPN for Claude in China?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is probably no. A few secure VPN brands have a basic free plan that is safe to use. However, reliable VPNs only offer a basic free plan to give users a taste of what the complete VPN offers. As a result, trustworthy free VPNs limit the number of servers you can use, the amount of data you can download, and what services you can access.
The limitation imposed by basic free VPN plans means that they are rarely suitable for accessing popular streaming services and AI platforms. Of course, you can test a reliable free VPN plan like ProtonVPN (free tier) to access Claude. However, it will almost certainly have been blocked by Anthropic. This is because free VPN servers are much easier for platforms to spot and block.
It is also important to note that many free VPNs in popular app stores like Google Play are dangerous. Studies have shown that free VPNs suffer from many vulnerabilities. They have outdated apps and weak encryption. Many free VPNs lack encryption and often have leaks revealing your activities.
This makes using a free VPN to access Claude risky because Chinese ISPs and authorities could easily track you. To ensure the safe use of Claude in China, it is vital to pick a service that offers strong encryption and reliable servers equipped with everything you need.
Is Claude AI available in China?
No. Due to government restrictions, Claude AI isn’t available in China. The good news is that many users have bypassed these blocks using a VPN. A VPN can change your IP address to a country where Claude is available. This allows you to use restricted AI models in China and other countries where AI services are blocked.
Why are there AI restrictions in China?
China blocks access to AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT because it doesn’t trust Western companies to handle Chinese users’ data. Below, we have detailed all the reasons why China restricts Claude AI (and other AI models such as ChatGPT):
- Data Privacy Concerns: Chinese authorities have strict rules about data leaving the country. They believe that foreign AI tools potentially risk national data security and could allow foreign companies to profit from Chinese knowledge. They do not want to allow this kind of data theft, which is why they block access to many Western services.
- Censorship: The Chinese government heavily regulates internet content, and foreign AI models, which aren’t controlled by the state, could bypass these restrictions and provide unfiltered information. The Chinese government does not want its citizens to escape the propaganda bubble it has worked hard to create.
- Promotion of Local AI: China wants to promote its own AI companies and reduce foreign competition. This will ensure the growth of its domestic tech sector and ensure that any data provided to AI is used to train its own models rather than those of international businesses.
What countries block AI services like Claude and ChatGPT?
Countries block AI services like Claude and ChatGPT to prevent citizens from accessing restricted information. AI models can educate citizens on topics critical of the government. These countries actively control the flow of information, and AI undermines these efforts.
Other reasons for blocking access to foreign AI services include maintaining data privacy. Governments also prioritize the development of local technology. Below, we’ve included a list of countries that block Claude and other AI services:
- China: China restricts foreign AI platforms like Claude and ChatGPT. This is mainly because of strict data privacy laws, censorship, and a focus on promoting local AI companies. Some people use VPNs to bypass these restrictions.
- Russia: Russia has periodically restricted access to foreign AI services due to concerns about data privacy, content regulation, and foreign influence. The Kremlin is encouraging the use of local alternatives like Yandex-based AI instead.
- Iran: Iran restricts many Western online services, including AI tools like ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude models. This is part of broader internet censorship policies. The government enforces these blocks to control information and prevent citizens from escaping the local rhetoric.
- North Korea: North Korea has a highly restricted internet, blocking nearly all foreign websites, including AI services like Claude and ChatGPT.
- Syria: Due to censorship and international sanctions, the government limits access to Western tech services, including AI tools.
- Cuba: Though internet restrictions are gradually changing, access to Western tech, including AI services, remains limited due to government control over information sources and US sanctions.
If you live in or visit any of these countries, you will need a VPN to unblock Claude AI.
How to use Claude in China without errors
Want the best performance from Claude AI while visiting or living in China? We have provided the best tips for using Claude in China below:
- Choose a VPN with obfuscation: Obfuscated servers help bypass China’s Great Firewall. They also prevent ISPs from detecting that a VPN is being used to gain online privacy by making your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic.
- Use a reliable Internet connection: If you want to use Claude AI, it is vital that you have a stable connection. AI tools like Claude require a decent amount of bandwidth, which means you will need fast internet and a fast VPN.
- Select the best server location: Connecting to a server in a nearby country can improve speed and reduce lag. Users in China should consider connecting to VPN servers in countries like Hong Kong and Japan to get the best speeds and hide their Chinese IP address.
Is Claude AI available in Vietnam?
Yes. At the time of writing, there are no AI restrictions in Vietnam. This means anybody in Vietnam can use services like Claude and ChatGPT. This also makes Vietnam a good option for Chinese citizens using a VPN. Vietnam is geographically closer to China, so it should provide better speeds.
Is Anthropic Claude better than ChatGPT?
These advanced Large Language Models are excellent and have very similar capabilities. In the most recent benchmarks, recent models like ChatGPT 4o come out ahead on reasoning tasks. However, users who rely on text generators for creative writing (fiction novels, etc) often claim to get better results from models like Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Claude Opus. Thus, it is worth testing these different models based on your requirements.
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Access Claude AI in China FAQs
Is it legal to use a VPN to access Claude AI in China?
Using a VPN in China is only permitted for legal purposes. Using a VPN to bypass government-imposed blocks is technically against the rules, which is why it is important to understand the risks associated with this practice.
In addition, internet users in China are supposed to stick to VPNs registered with the government. These VPNs usually do not work to bypass blocks on services like Facebook, Google, and AI services. This is why you will usually need to subscribe to a non-registered VPN to unblock Calude.
The Chinese government has banned unauthorized VPNs because they can bypass the government’s strict content firewall. Despite this, many people in China use consumer VPNs to access restricted services. If you decide to do this, please be sure to do some research to understand local laws and restrictions.
We are not attorneys; nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice. Using a VPN is at your own risk and should only be undertaken with a clear understanding of potential consequences.
Can Claude AI be used in Chinese?
Yes, Claude AI supports the Chinese language, making it convenient for users in China who prefer interacting in their native language. Claude’s ability to handle multiple languages, including Mandarin, makes it a versatile tool for Chinese users. This makes it useful for anybody writing content in Chinese or for translating from other languages into Chinese.
Can businesses in China benefit from Claude AI?
Yes. Businesses in China can benefit from using Claude AI for customer service automation, content generation, and more. If you believe your business can benefit from using Caude’s free or paid models, you can gain access by using a secure VPN for Claude. The VPNs recommended in this guide work to bypass geographic barriers.
