Scrutinizing body language between Obama and Putin has become something of a pastime in diplomatic circles.  The contrast in their personal styles, Putin brash and macho, Obama more professorial and sometimes self-conscious, was also on display at APEC.

At a tree-planting ceremony at the summit venue, Putin swaggered up, chest out, and shoveled mud onto the roots of a partially-planted tree.  Obama walked up with his hands clasped behind his back, picked up the shovel, grinning slightly, and piled mud on his tree, according to a pool report of the event.  When a Spanish-language camera crew called for his attention, Obama responded with “Hey, hombre” and waved.

What Putin has succeeded in doing is making deals with China that will leave Russia less vulnerable to the West.  The impact of economic sanctions against Russia has been softened by new deals between Russia and China.