The two former European colonies, which both returned to Chinese control about a decade ago, are closely intertwined, with Hong Kong's busy airport and stock market serving as Macao's main global gateway and Hong Kong businesses, professionals and tourists helping to power the development of what has become the world's top gambling centre.
Hong Kong residents and visitors made 18.6m trips to and from Macao last year, according to Hong Kong's figures, so the recent interruption of the usual free flow of traffic between the two ports for some travellers has come as a shock.
One Hong Kong businessman said: “I was really surprised that [Macao officials] are that scared of the Hong Kong press and Hong Kong people.”