China weighs 'emergency' fast track for laws as Taiwan tensions mount

BEIJING -- China's parliament on Wednesday began considering legislative changes that would slash the time needed to pass laws in emergencies, a move that observers see as preparing for scenarios like a conflict over Taiwan.

Proposed amendments to the Legislation Law would let the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress put bills to a vote after just one meeting during an "emergency," shortening a process that usually takes half a year or more.