Japan's top government spokesperson says the government is not in a position to comment on the dismissal of Qin Gang from the post of Chinese foreign minister.

Qin was reportedly replaced by Wang Yi, a Chinese Communist Party Politburo member who is in charge of the country's foreign policy.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said the government is not in a position to comment on a reshuffle within the Chinese government.

He said that in relations with China, Japan will continue to assert its positions and urge responsible actions when needed. He added that Tokyo will maintain bilateral dialogue on pending issues and other matters, and cooperate on issues of shared concern. He stressed the importance of building constructive and stable ties with effort from both sides, and expressed hope of exchanging views at all levels, including with Wang.

Matsuno was also asked how the reshuffle in Beijing might impact Japan's planned release of treated and diluted water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.

Water used to cool molten nuclear fuel mixes with rain and groundwater, and has been accumulating at the plant. The water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

The Japanese government plans to dilute the treated water to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water quality before releasing it into the sea.

Matsuno said the government plans to offer detailed and highly transparent explanations about the water release to the international community based on conclusions of the recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency. He added that the government will continue insisting that China engage in related debates based on scientific evidence.

Earlier this month, the Chinese government indicated that it will tighten import controls on Japanese food products.