Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying Friday criticized certain U.S. officials' words and actions amid the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak, noting that their behavior is certainly not a gesture of goodwill as they are neither factual nor appropriate.

U.S. State Department Thursday announced a highest-level warning not to travel to China due to the recent coronavirus outbreak. On the same day, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the spreading coronavirus will accelerate the return of jobs from China to the U.S.

"Acting with openness, transparency and a high sense of responsibility, the Chinese government keeps the international community, including the U.S., well informed with timely updates and shared relevant data," said Hua.

"Many countries have offered China support in various means. In sharp contrast, certain U.S. officials' words and actions are neither factual nor appropriate. Just as the World Health Organization recommended against travel restrictions, the U.S. rushed to go in the opposite way. [It's] certainly not a gesture of goodwill," she said.

Hua said the Chinese nation is known for its perseverance and resilience, adding that "we have every confidence that with the resolute leadership of the Communist Party of China, the enormous strength of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the strong support from the international community, the Chinese people will definitely win the battle against the outbreak and overcome any difficulty lying ahead to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."