These actions show China can play a decisive and constructive role in global affairs when it chooses. But do they demonstrate China's emergence as a responsible superpower? Not by a long shot. Relations between Beijing and Taipei remain as volatile and unpredictable as ever. And consider Beijing's recent moves to gain leverage in another global arena, Africa. China has launched an extravagant charm offensive to woo African allies. This weekend, Beijing will host China's biggest-ever diplomatic event, rolling out the red carpet for leaders of 48 of the 53 African nations in the hope of securing commodities like oil in exchange for aid and loans. China has wielded its veto power on the Security Council to preclude international sanctions on countries with appalling human rights records like Sudan and Zimbabwe. It has drawn the condemnation of World Bank and IMF officials for doling out loans to corrupt regimes like Angola, undermining international efforts to encourage leaders of those nations to adopt sensible economic policies.

Yes, China's efforts to contain fallout from the nuclear testing in North Korea highlight its new prominence on the global stage. But whether that prominence bodes well or ill for the rest of the world remains to be seen.