Depending on the use, they may be laid with the cores running horizontally or vertically. In some countries, for partition 4" thick tile walls that are laid with cores vertical. They cut a chase out with a hammer a few days after the wall is laid and then plaster over, so they can be tough.
I had a architecturally designed unique quality home that had 10" thick clay tiles laid with the cores horizontal (10' high walls). Stucco on the outside, full 2x4 for holding the lath and a plaster over that with a 1/6" "china coat". It even had a few bootlegger/police bullet holes from the prohibition/Dillenger days in the stucco around a door and a couple of windows. I bought it when it was 50 years old and there was not a problem with anything structural or any cracking. About 30 years later is is still pristine. - I would like to buy it back, but the price is out of sight.
Clay tile construction can be very strong and tough. You absolutely must know the direction of the cores.
No matter what loads and materials, as far as demolition, remove as little as possible and make sure you have access to replacement units (can be tough and costly) and then proceed as you would with any non-bearing wall.