Xinhua China News Digest at 16:00 GMT, Sept. 18

The following are China news stories moved by Xinhua News Agency as of 1600 GMT, Sept. 18.

TOP STORIES:

* China Focus: Ruling party vows to enhance democracy

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) central leadership vowed Friday to enhance intra-Party democracy by improving Party congress and election systems.

* China Exclusive: Court upholds death sentences for 10 "Mafia-like" gangsters

SHIJIAZHUANG, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The higher people's court in north China's Hebei Province on Friday upheld a ruling sentencing 10 members in a "Mafia-like group" to death, in a case which has involved most of the gang members in the province during the past six decades.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

* China approves another six firms' applications for listing on Nasdaq-style market

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's securities authorities has approved another six firms' applications for listing on the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) Friday.

FEATURES:

* China Focus: All-star epic presents a new face for China

by Xinhua writers Wang Xiaopeng and Fu Shuangqi

BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The audience of a new epic about the founding of New China are playing a new game -- guessing what role Jackie Chan or Zhang Ziyi plays. -------------------------------------------------------

YOUR QUERIES:

Duty editor: Lu Chuanzhong @ 8610 6307 2606

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Related terms: beijing, business, china, congress, democracy, election, finance, market, nasdaq, securities