Abstract: The digital sequence information of genetic resources is the product of the swift advent of synthetic biology and the rapid development of DNA mutation. The legal issues entailed by digital sequence information have sparked heated debates across international organizations and countries. The widespread and universal use of digital sequence information positively affects biodiversity protection. However, it also brings challenges to the access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. The controversy over the definition of the terminology, scope of content and the proper usage of digital sequence information reflects the disparities between developed and developing countries in identifying legal attributes and benefit sharing of digital sequence information. China should actively participate in multilateral negotiations and bilateral consultations on digital sequence information. It is necessary to put digital sequence information under the framework of the "Nagoya Protocol" and interpret it as "genetic resources" and interpret the sequencing and storage of digital sequence information as the "utilization of genetic resources". The "Regulations on the Administration of the Access and Benefit Sharing of Biological Genetic Resources (Draft)" should not overemphasize the physical materials and tangibility of the use of biological genetic resources. They should, however, focus on the protection of information or data regarding genetic resources and integrate and build a database of digital sequence information.

Key words: digital sequence information, genetic resource, biodiversity, access and benefit sharing