I wager two quatloos that
the Ming is going to come back as being the
IFCC's mysterious artifact when they make their move during the big showdown for the Gate. Very few actual artifacts have been shown in this world, and those are all worn/used constantly. Except for this one. And the page even labels it as plot-critical! The Giant has pulled throwbacks like this before, it's plausible!
(Credit to theangelJean for starting the thought process in that direction)