US official seeking to find out Chinese activist Chen's needs

A US official says Washington is trying to help the blind Chinese activist who took refuge in the US Embassy and then left under what the activist now says was pressure from the US.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Thursday that the United States is seeking to learn what Chen Guangcheng needs.

The official says further contacts with Chen his wife show that "his view of what the best thing for him and his family may be may be changing."

Earlier, US Ambassador to China Gary Locke said Chen was never pressured to leave.

Chen left the embassy Wednesday. He initially said he had been assured he would be safe in China, but hours later he said he feared for his family's safety unless they are all spirited abroad.