POTUS to Russia, China Later This Year

Obama accepts invitations to visit both countries in the second half of 2009 while meeting with leaders Wednesday. He'll stop in Moscow for the first time in July, China toward the end of the year. Obama, Hu also to hold an annual meeting. White House statements on meeting with Medvedev here and Hu here. HALPERIN’S TAKE: What to watch for while Obama’s gone (and when he gets back).