The likelihood that any of these countries would stop Snowden from traveling on to Ecuador seemed remote. While diplomatic tensions have thawed in recent years, Cuba and the US are hardly allies after a half-century of distrust. Another country that could see Snowden pass through, Venezuela, could prove difficult, as well. Former president Hugo Chavez was a sworn enemy of the US and his successor, Nicolas Maduro, earlier this year called US President Barack Obama "grand chief of devils". The two countries do not exchange ambassadors.

Snowden's options aren't numerous, said lawyer for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Michael Ratner.

"You have to have a country that's going to stand up to the United States," Ratner said. "You're not talking about a huge range of countries here."

It also wasn't clear if Snowden has finished disclosing highly classified information.

About the broadcaster:

Lance Crayon is a videographer and editor with China Daily. Since living in Beijing he has worked for China Radio International (CRI) and Global Times. Before moving to China he worked in the film industry in Los Angeles as a talent agent and producer. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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