TPP cannot exist in isolation, says former French PM

The Trans-Pacific Partnership could have a "beautiful" future if it is compatible with China's economic transition, according to former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

"I don't think it would be good to have a policy for a special part of the world without international cooperation. Now the world is small and everybody must be part of it," the 67-year-old French politician said.

Early in October, trade ministers from 12 countries, including the United States, Australia and Japan, signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which the signatories claim is the biggest trade deal in a generation.