Omarchy Linux to get a China edition in partnership with Alibaba

Omarchy, the Linux distribution created by David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH), is preparing an edition for China backed by Alibaba that will include WeChat and other local services. DHH says the collaboration does not worry him and that contributions will be judged on their technical merit.

The creator of Omarchy, **David Heinemeier Hansson**, known as **DHH**, has confirmed a partnership with **Alibaba** to launch a version of his Linux distribution aimed at the Chinese market. The story was first reported by **The Lunduke Journal**, which put a series of questions to DHH about the scope and risks of the deal. His answers, reproduced without comment, paint a picture of a project that wants to grow in China without getting into a debate over Beijing's politics.

## What Alibaba brings and what the Chinese edition will include

Alibaba's support translates into very concrete things. DHH mentions **CDNs and mirrors inside China** so users can run Omarchy without needing a VPN. On top of that come help with the Chinese translation and collaboration on the upcoming **Qwen Book**, a team tasked with making sure Omarchy runs well on it. The Chinese edition will include **WeChat** and other country-specific services.

## "Not worried": DHH's stance on geopolitical unease

Lunduke asked DHH whether he is concerned that the reasons why several governments have restricted China might eventually affect Omarchy. The answer was blunt: "Not at all." DHH added that the **Linux Foundation** has far more exposure to China than his project and that, if working with the country becomes a problem, it will hit that foundation first. As for the **Chinese Communist Party's** control over Alibaba, he argued that all contributions to Omarchy are judged on merit.

## WeChat, surveillance and the bridge argument

The interview also touched on the use of Chinese apps for surveillance and censorship. DHH replied that Chinese apps are being included in other systems anyway and that open source is "a great way to build bridges." He added that the average American and the average Chinese person have no reason to hate each other. It is an ideological stance, not a technical fact, and should be read as such.

The decision raises a legitimate debate about privacy for anyone installing that edition. If the issue concerns you, consult an IT security specialist first.