Putin covers his bets By Sergei Blagov MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China is expected to improve what is officially described as a strategic partnership between the two countries, one driven by both economic and geopolitical considerations. In strengthening this bilateral relationship, Russia appears to be countering mounting pressure from Washington concerning Moscow's internal affairs. Putin is due to visit China from Thursday to Saturday this week for talks with President Hu Jintao, with discussions expected to focus on economic and strategic issues. Economic agreements to be signed cover space flight, atomic energy, engineering manufacturing, high...