On November 6, 2012, the Malta Independent, a leading English-language newspaper published in Malta, published the full text of a signed article entitled A Better Future for China-Europe Relations by Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao. In his article, Song expounded China's positions on China-Europe comprehensive strategic relations and the Diaoyu Dao issue.

Song pointed out that China-Europe relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. In spite of vicissitudes in the international landscape in the past decade, China-Europe relations have always maintained a sound growth momentum and scored important progress. China supports Europe's efforts to deal with the debt crisis and is a staunch supporter of the European integration. China and Europe should focus on the long-term development of their ties, advance with the times and jointly push the China-Europe cooperation for a more comprehensive, in-depth and balanced development.

On the Diaoyu Dao issue, Song said the current tensions over the Diaoyu Dao were provoked solely by Japan. It is imperative that the Japanese side correct its wrongdoings and return to the track of negotiated settlement. To safeguard the victory of the Second World War and the post-war international order remains an important and real issue in Asia today, and should be the shared responsibility of the whole international community.