China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a special foreign ministers' summit in Laos later this week to discuss the situation arising out of novel coronavirus.<br />'' <br />'' A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said that China and the ASEAN countries have been in close contact ever since the outbreak came to light. <br />'' <br />'' He said the two sides have decided to hold a special foreign ministers' meeting within such a short period of time demonstrates our will and determination to overcome difficulties with concerted efforts.<br />'' <br />'' The COVID-19 was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late December. It has since spread to over 20 countries, infected tens of thousands of people.<br />''