TODAY: Medvedev in discussions with China; Baluyevsky proposes solution to CFE deadlock; British MP talks of “intimidation” over meeting with Russian embassy official; Litvinenko said Putin was “vetted” by Abramovich; football visa waiving boosted tourism. Dmitry Medvedev’s two-day visit to “ally and rival” China begins today, amid speculation that Russia is worried by China’s expansion in Central Asia. It is thought the two countries will discuss energy deals and military cooperation. Medvedev announced that strengthening Russia’s ties with other former Soviet republics is a priority. British MP Andrew Mackinlay said he was warned off meeting a Russian embassy official by a government minister, and told that he was being monitored by the security services. The Times is alleging that Alexander Litvinenko “made the astonishing suggestion that Mr Abramovich effectively vetted Mr Putin – on behalf of Russia’s powerful oligarchs – to succeed Boris Yeltsin as President.” Abramovich has won “the first round” in his $4.3 billion lawsuit with Boris Berezovsky.