<p>Cross-border transfer of human genetic data is a crucial prerequisite for sharing such data globally. However, given the unique nature of human genetic data, this aspiration may not be easily realized. China, a country rich in biological resources, possesses a vast wealth of human genetic data. However, due to China’s domestic laws and policies, human genetic data is considered both personal information, subject to regulations like the <i>Personal Information Protection Law</i>, and human genetic resources, governed by the <i>Regulations on Management of Human Genetic Resources</i>. This dual nature necessitates a double security review of human genetic data for cross-border transfer, rendering cross-border transfer of China’s human genetic data a seemingly impossible mission. However, in recent years, China has refined its security review rules for cross-border data transfer to increase transparency and, in practice, has eased review criteria, issuing numerous administrative licenses. Such a shift of stance is not fortuitous but rather a planned and purposeful reflection of China’s top-level design to promote self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology, as well as its strategic goal of joining international digital economy organizations.</p>