The US government is the one to blame for its self-contradictory actions that have led to escalating trade frictions with China, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The US government has been sending self-contradictory signals, by saying that the two countries will soon reach an agreement and then saying that it is not ready, said Gao Feng, the ministry's spokesman.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday in Japan that Washington isn't ready to strike a trade deal with China, but he's leaving open the possibility that the two nations could reach an agreement someday.

Gao said it is hard not to cast doubts on the sincerity of the US.

He added that the escalation of the trade dispute has seriously undermined the basis for further talks and the US is the one to blame.

"Cooperation has principles, and the bottom line needs to be drawn during negotiations," he said. "China will not compromise on major issues."