How to Sit in China

seats at slight angle, heads turn

seats at slight angle, bodies conform

seats at slight angle, bodies slightly turn

President Obama moving furniture

seats at bigger angle, bodies even moreso

seats at wide angle, bodies conform, heads turn

How do you sit in China? Usually side by side, or nearly so, forcing you to turn your whole body, or at least your head, at an uncomfortable angle to speak to the person next to you. Diplomatic protocol is clearly always tweaking seat placement, and body placement (!) to adjust to the situation and chemistry.

Secretary Clinton and PM Wen from Life.com
Secretary Geithner and PM Wen from Life.com
President Obama and President Hu in Australia from australian.com.au
President Obama moving furniture from Commons.wikimedia.org
President Obama and Australian PM Rudd from state.gov
Presidents Bush and Obama from Peopleinpublicplaces.com