A leaked diplomatic document circulating on the dark web claims China bought Micronesia's help in keeping Taiwan out of the World Health Assembly — bad news for Taiwan's already shrinking international space.

• The document says China offered a large cash gift, framed as money for cars, in exchange for Micronesia signing a joint letter opposing Taiwan's participation.
• It also points to China using aid money to win support from the African Union.
• A Taiwanese politics professor, Wang Hong-jen of National Cheng Kung University, says the file still needs verification but matches how China is known to operate — political demand, pre-written letter, third country signs it.
• Micronesia's former president David Panuelo publicly accused Chinese officials of using threats, pressure, and bribes, and once floated recognizing Taiwan, which lines up with the leaked material.
• Taipei is being urged to disrupt this playbook and quietly court officials and parties in those countries who resent Beijing's meddling.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to press allies on the document's claims while Beijing keeps buying votes ahead of the next World Health Assembly.