China's Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. on Monday of setting a "very bad example" when it comes to tackling the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak, saying President Donald Trump's administration is spreading fear instead of providing much-needed assistance.

A ministry spokesperson said it's unreasonable for countries around the world to try to prevent people from crossing borders.

The ministry singled out the U.S., saying it was spreading panic instead of offering significant assistance to halt the coronavirus outbreak.

"The U.S. government hasn't provided any substantive assistance to us," ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

"What it has done could only create and spread fear, which is a very bad example."

The White House was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.