In recent years, China has been engaged in disputes with its smaller neighbours over the sovereignty of islands in the South China Sea and the East China Sea. China claims sovereignty over all of South China Sea. But Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims. In the East China Sea, Beijing has territorial disputes with Japan. The South China Sea and the East China Sea are said to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources besides being vital to global trade.