creditors

"Whether Greece stays within the euro is not only a question that concerns Europe, but also concerns China and Europe," Li Keqiang told reporters at the end of an EU-China summit meeting in Brussels. 

"In addition, this is also something that concerns world financial stability and economic recovery."

Li noted his country is a major customer and supplier for the 28-nation EU, and a long-term holder of eurobonds. He said China is in favor of a united and prosperous EU, as well as a strong euro.

The government on Friday agreed to key reforms that are close to what creditors have demanded before they release new loans, officials said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.

The creditors in return offered Greece a five-month extension to its bailout program, which would otherwise end Tuesday, leaving the country facing a financial meltdown.

Greece has agreed to reforms that are very close to what creditors have demanded before they release new loans, officials said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. 

The creditors in return offered Greece a five-month extension to its bailout program, which was supposed to end Tuesday.

The concessions come only days after Greece proposed 8 billion euros in budget savings over two years. 

Before the finance ministers' short meeting, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had held long talks with key creditors but apparently failed to reach a compromise over what kind of reforms the country should make in return for much-needed loans.

Greece has promised mainly tax increases to achieve budget savings, whereas the International Monetary Fund would like more spending cuts. Tsipras rejected the creditors' suggestions.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 24.29 points, or 0.1 percent, to 18,144.07. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 1.35 points, or 0.1 percent, to 2,124.20 and the Nasdaq composite rose 6.12 points, or 0.1 percent, to 5,160.09.

Prepaid debit card company Green Dot was among the biggest gainers. Its stock soared 40 percent after the company announced it had renewed its partnership with Wal-Mart for another five years. Netflix climbed in after-hours trading following the company's announcement that its board had approved a plan to split its stock.

Greece has proposed measures worth 8 billion euros ($9 billion), including increases to company and consumer taxes, to persuade the country's bailout creditors to release new loans it needs to avoid defaulting on its debts next week.

A decision is expected this week: eurozone finance ministers are to meet Wednesday evening, followed by a European Union summit Thursday and Friday.

KEEPING SCORE: The Dow Jones industrial average rose 57 points, or 0.3 percent, to 18,176 as of 10:12 a.m. Eastern.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose three points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,126 and the Nasdaq composite rose three points, or 0.1 percent, to 5,157.

GREEK TALKS: Greece's proposals appear to have won the initial backing from its international creditors.

At a meeting Monday, leaders of the 19 nations that use the euro currency said the offer by the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras might form a basis to break a four-month deadlock.