Hong Kong protests: China's trillion reasons for maintaining the status quo

Hundreds of China-domiciled companies are listed in Hong Kong, including national leaders such as Tencent Holdings Ltd and CNOOC Ltd

Hong Kong’s ties with mainland China have never appeared more fragile, as protesters demand greater freedoms while Beijing expresses frustration at the turmoil. Amid rising tensions, there are concerns that Chinese authorities may take direct action to quell the unrest.

But the two economies have become so financially intertwined that officials have powerful incentives to preserve the status quo. The former British colony has been a key source of offshore funding for Chinese companies for more than two decades, and the inflow of cash and business from the world’s second-largest economy has greatly benefited the city. 

Here’s a look at how much