BARCELONA--Vodafone’s handset portfolio is taking on a distinctly Chinese flavor. The world’s largest carrier today announced a deal with ZTE for Vodafone-branded GSM handsets, adding them to the 3G cell phones it already sells from fellow Chinese vendor Huawei.

In the deal, ZTE has agreed to supply ultra-low-cost GSM handsets for sale across its markets, fitting into Vodafone’s original design manufacturer (ODM) strategy to push the Vodafone name forward for its lower-end and mid-range handsets. While Huawei is supplying 3G handsets to Vodafone, it is building entry-level UMTS devices with the Vodafone brand, intended to ease the barrier for entry into 3G data services.

ZTE said it would ship its first handset to ship in the second quarter, targeting emerging markets.