The novel coronavirus epidemic is believed to have a temporary impact on building the Belt and Road, Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Thursday.

Ma said at a news conference China is confident in working with other countries to continue promoting high-quality construction of the Belt and Road.

Since the outbreak, many partners of the Belt and Road Initiative have provided support and assistance to China, and expressed their willingness to continue strengthening cooperation with China under the initiative, Ma said.

China has also provided urgently needed medical supplies to countries involved in the initiative, such as Pakistan, he said, adding the mutual help has reflected the vitality of the BRI, he added.

China has the confidence, capacity and certainty to win the battle against the epidemic, he said.