David Beckham sparks backlash on Instagram after confusing Hong Kong and China

David Beckham sparked a backlash after he confused Hong Kong for China.

The former footballer, 41, shared a photo montage on Instagram and Facebook of his trip to Shanghai and Hong Kong with the caption “great 48 hours in China”.

Fans were quick to point out that Hong Kong is in an autonomous territory that has its own government and laws.

One user was quick to point out: “We have our own government, currency, even Football Team!”

Another posted: “I like you a lot, thanks for visiting, but this is Hong Kong... not China...”

A third wrote: “David you may go to China next time but this time you were in Hong Kong (sic).”

Noticing his error, the former footballer quickly changed the message to read: “Great 48 hours in Shanghai and Hong Kong.”

But the caption change sparked fury among some who said Hong Kong is a part of China.

One user posted: “Believe it or not, Hong Kong belongs to People's Republic of China!!!”

Another wrote: “Tbh, loved you for so many years but I think I will stop supporting you now. Because you changed '48 hours in China' to 'Shanghai and Hong Kong' which clearly shows your political view that Hong Kong does not belong to China.”

Hong Kong was returned to China from the UK in 1997 after over 150 years of British rule.

Beckham was in Hong Kong to promote insurance firm AIA, for which he's now the new global ambassador.