Japan's government will continue to call for the early release of a Japanese businessman detained in China on espionage charges.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu spoke to reporters on Thursday about the man in his 50s who was detained in March in Beijing. The employee of Japanese drug maker Astellas Pharma was initially put under surveillance at the facility where he was being held.

But the Chinese authorities revealed earlier this month that he is now under criminal detention and is being investigated for alleged espionage.

Matsuno said the Japanese government has been providing as much support for the man as possible, including meetings with Japanese consular officials. He said officials will continue to deal with the matter appropriately.

He added that the government has been strongly urging China to quickly release him through various levels and opportunities and will continue that effort.