Beckham backs healthier choices

His philanthropic side was once again in evidence on Saturday at the China Film Directors Center, where he supported the Angel Heart organization's on-site auction by signing a painting created by 16-year-old Lin Yuhui, who has autism.

Lin's painting was selected from AIA's recent Angel Heart Star Painting Competition, which was open to children with autism. The artwork will adorn various pieces of merchandise to be sold, with proceeds going to the AIA China Angel Heart Project.

Beckham's role as AIA global ambassador kicked into gear with last year's "What's Your Why?" campaign, which encouraged people to think about their motivation for wanting to lead a healthier life.

The campaign was recently extended through a surprise news conference held with Beckham and children from across Asia, which focused more deeply on different health topics.

In China, AIA supports millions of customers as a leading life and health insurer and now endeavors to also be a "health companion" to customers.

AIA China CEO Fisher Zhang said: "Public health is a key concern for us at AIA China, and we look forward to working with more partners to promote health awareness and preventative care.

"Through Mr. Beckham's China trip, we hope to draw public attention to the importance of health and wellness in the family, which encompasses physical health as well as positive parent-child relationships. With our 100th anniversary coming up in 2019, we look forward to continuously bolstering our health services and empowering our customers to realize a better life."