Shipments by China-based handset makers are projected to reach 380 million units in 2010, of which ZTE, Hwawei Technologies and TCL will account for 75 million units, 41 million units and 15 million units, respectively, according to Digitimes Research.

Overseas markets represent the majority of the three companies' shipments. In 2009, Hwawei shipped 70% of its handsets overseas, and up to 92.2% of TCL's shipments in the first quarter of 2010 were for foreign markets.

ZTE has been active in cooperation with telecom carriers with customized handset offerings, especially in emerging countries. Hwawei has invested US$500 million in manufacturing and research and development facilities in India, its largest market.

Overseas handset sales in 2009 for TCL grew 198.8% from a year ago. The company is opening up the Asia-Pacific market via the ODM business model, and has received orders from Motorola since the fourth quarter of 2009.