Another very awkward moment at APEC
The wind is icy in the Lake Yanqi mountain resort, east of Beijing where APEC leaders have come for a day long retreat.
It got colder still around the table at the first formal session when Prime Minister Abbott found himself sitting next to Russia's Vladimir Putin.
Mr Abbott's promised dressing down of the Russian President over the MH17 atrocity is supposed to happen today.
For the five minutes 7News cameras were there, the two leaders said nothing to one another.
7News cameras filmed the pair as they sat next to each other for about five minutes, without saying word. Photo: 7News
The Prime Minister's office has confirmed they spoke briefly last night at APEC's extraordinary opening dinner, and they discussed the MH17 investigation.
Thought there's an expectation of a longer meeting today, it's pretty clear the PM's office wants it to be low key and not to spoil a meeting so far marked by rivals making update than fighting.
The pair spoke briefly about the MH17 disaster - but the much anticipated shirtfronting is still to come.
Abbott came close with the Russian president as the APEC summit officially kicked off, when they were positioned perilously close for the traditional 'silly shirt' class photo.
Tony Abbott standing behind Vladimir Putin at the APEC conference in Beijing. Photo: Reuters
Mr Abbott was right behind Mr Putin, both men wearing traditional Chinese garb - sleek, high-collared tunics - that bore an unfortunate resemblance to Star Trek outfits.
Sources say the prime minister politely raised the matter of international access to the MH17 crash site but it's not known how Mr Putin responded.
Mr Abbott made international headlines when he threatened to "shirtfront" Mr Putin over the Russian-backed separatist missile attack that killed 298 people, including 38 Australians, in Ukraine in July.
But he has since toned down his language.
Prime Minister Abbott arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport. Photo: Getty
Mr Abbott played down the meeting on Monday, calling it "by no means the biggest" item on his APEC agenda.
The prime minister attended a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian embassy with New Zealand leader John Key early on Tuesday.
He will use his summit speech to promote Australia's trade and economic interests and encourage regional co-operation on efficient global value chains.
After the APEC sessions he will have formal bilateral meetings with the leaders of Mexico and South Korea.
The prime minister leaves Beijing on Wednesday bound for regional security talks in Myanmar and returns to Australia on Friday.
