CHINA placed sanctions on former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and others that played a leading role in Donald Trump’s administration today, soon after the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

A statement from China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed action had been taken against 28 individuals including former national security adviser John Bolton and former adviser Stephen Bannon.

They have been charged with “crazy actions that have gravely interfered in China’s internal affairs.

“These individuals and their immediate family members are prohibited from entering the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao of China. They and companies and institutions associated with them are also restricted from doing business with China,” the spokesperson said.

Mr Pompeo has accused China of a “genocide” against Uighur Muslims as a parting shot, charges dismissed by Beijing.

The early signs indicate there will be no drastic change of course under Mr Biden, with his Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisting his predecessor was right in his tough stance on China.

“The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests,” the government statement said.